Lifeguards from Cortez Pool in Phoenix are being hailed as heroes after their quick actions saved a 4-year-old girl found unconscious in the water on Memorial Day. The incident has brought to light the critical role lifeguards play in ensuring the safety of swimmers, especially during the busy summer season. FOX 10's Ellen McNamara reports on the harrowing event and the lifesaving efforts that prevented a tragedy.

The Cortez Pool was bustling with activity on Memorial Day, a popular holiday for families to gather and enjoy the outdoors. Among the many children playing in the water was 4-year-old Emily Thompson, who was at the pool with her parents. In the midst of the festivities, Emily's parents momentarily lost sight of her. Within minutes, lifeguard Kyle Johnson spotted her floating face down in the water and immediately sprang into action.

Johnson, along with fellow lifeguards Sarah Hernandez and Mark Daniels, quickly retrieved Emily from the pool. Their training kicked in as they began administering CPR and rescue breaths. Hernandez recalled the intense moments, saying that when they pulled her out, she wasn't breathing, and there was no pulse, and they knew they had to act fast.

The lifeguards worked in unison, following their training protocols meticulously. Johnson performed chest compressions while Hernandez provided rescue breaths. Daniels monitored Emily's vital signs and ensured that the area around the rescue operation was clear, allowing the lifeguards to focus on their task. Within a minute, Emily coughed up water and began to breathe on her own, regaining consciousness shortly thereafter.

Paramedics arrived on the scene within minutes and took over the medical care, transporting Emily to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. Doctors later confirmed that she was in stable condition and expected to make a full recovery. Emily's parents expressed their profound gratitude to the lifeguards, crediting them with saving their daughter's life. They said they can't thank them enough for what they did and that their quick thinking and actions are the reason Emily is still with them.

The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, which oversees the operation of city pools, honored the lifeguards for their bravery and professionalism. At a special ceremony held at Cortez Pool, city officials presented Johnson, Hernandez, and Daniels with commendations for their lifesaving efforts. Parks and Recreation Director Maria Baez stated that these lifeguards exemplify the dedication and commitment they strive for in their team and that their actions remind them all of the importance of water safety and the critical role lifeguards play in protecting the community.

The incident has sparked renewed awareness about water safety and the importance of vigilance, especially around young children. The American Red Cross emphasizes that drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for children under five and that constant supervision and effective barriers such as pool fences are essential preventive measures. They also recommend swimming lessons for children as an additional layer of protection.

Lifeguard training programs, like the one undertaken by the Cortez Pool staff, are rigorous and comprehensive. Lifeguards are trained in CPR, first aid, water rescue techniques, and emergency response. They undergo regular drills and recertification to ensure they are prepared to handle emergencies efficiently. Johnson, Hernandez, and Daniels all emphasized the importance of this training, noting that it gave them the confidence and skills needed to save Emily's life.

The Cortez Pool incident serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role lifeguards play in community safety. Their vigilance and preparedness are vital in preventing tragedies and ensuring that public pools remain safe spaces for recreation and enjoyment. As summer approaches, the city of Phoenix and the Parks and Recreation Department are urging families to prioritize water safety and to always keep an eye on young swimmers.

In the aftermath of the incident, Emily's family has become advocates for water safety education, sharing their story to raise awareness and prevent similar occurrences. They plan to work with local organizations to promote swimming lessons and water safety practices in the community. Emily’s mother, Jessica Thompson, highlighted that the experience was a wake-up call about how quickly accidents can happen and the importance of having trained professionals nearby.

Emily's father, Robert Thompson, recounted the terrifying moment they realized she was missing and the overwhelming relief they felt when she was resuscitated. He praised the lifeguards' professionalism and expressed his desire to see more emphasis placed on water safety in public education campaigns. The Thompson family plans to participate in local events and initiatives aimed at promoting awareness about the dangers of drowning and the steps that can be taken to prevent it.

The Phoenix community has rallied around the story, with local businesses and residents expressing their support and admiration for the lifeguards’ actions. Social media has been abuzz with messages of thanks and recognition, and several community members have suggested organizing a fundraiser to support further training and resources for local lifeguards.

The Phoenix Fire Department has also weighed in, highlighting the importance of knowing CPR and first aid, not just for lifeguards but for all members of the community. Fire Chief David Garcia noted that bystanders are often the first line of defense in emergency situations and that widespread knowledge of lifesaving techniques can make a significant difference in outcomes.

In conclusion, the swift actions of lifeguards at Cortez Pool in Phoenix saved the life of 4-year-old Emily Thompson on Memorial Day. The incident highlights the critical importance of lifeguard training and water safety awareness. As the community honors these heroes, it serves as a poignant reminder to remain vigilant around water and to appreciate the dedicated professionals who protect us. The successful rescue underscores the importance of preparedness, training, and community awareness in preventing tragedies and ensuring public safety.