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THE KIMBERLEY police are investigating an apparent drowning that occurred at the Karen Muir Swimming Pool on Sunday.
Police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said that a lifeguard had noticed a young man who was unable to swim and had warned him not to venture into the deep end of the pool.
“The body of a 20-year-old man was recovered from a public swimming pool in Kimberley on December 1 at approximately 2.30pm,” said Ehlers.
She added that the police have opened an inquest docket following the incident.
Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson Thabo Mothibi said lifeguards on duty responded immediately to the scene.
“Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated as the individual still had a pulse. The four competent lifeguards allocated to the swimming pool, as per its capacity, were on duty and assisted during what has transpired to be a tragic and strange incident. Several warnings were issued by the lifeguards and friends of the deceased.
"We are deeply saddened by the incident and wish to extend our sincerest condolences to the bereaved family. We are co-operating fully with police investigations,” said Mothibi.
He added that Karen Muir and all public swimming pools in Galeshewe, as well as at the municipal pleasure resorts, had competent lifeguards on duty.
“They are subjected to regular assessments by our Emergency Services or the SAPS, focusing on fitness, skill-set or swimming abilities and level three first aid.”
Mothibi appealed to members of the public utilising these facilities to adhere to the rules and regulations as published on the notice boards and to obey instructions and warnings when issued by lifeguards.
“For all community swimming pools and resorts, the regulated number of lifeguards are posted on duty.”
He stated that all community swimming pools would be closed on Christmas and New Year's Day although the resorts would be open.