Swimmer found Unconscious in CCSC pool

CEBU, Philippines - A fresh graduate from a swimming class was found unconscious while reportedly practicing at the swimming pool of the Cebu City Sports Complex Wednesday night.

Tomas Carlos Villanueva III, 27, of La Paloma Village, Barangay Tisa, Cebu City, landed at the Intensive Care Unit of the St. Vincent General Hospital after he was found already unresponsive in the water.

Ricky Ballesteros, general manager of CCSC and executive director of the Sinulog Foundation, said based on the closed-circuit television camera footage, the victim had been swimming for almost an hour using bubbling technique prior to the incident.

However, hours later, the footage showed the life guards rescuing the victim upon noticing that he was already not moving.  Ballesteros said Villanueva was immediately brought to the hospital but was first declared dead on arrival. A few minutes later, the doctors have revived him.

The father of the victim, Tomas Villanueva Jr., said his son, who is into martial arts, ventured into swimming and had just graduated from his training at the CCSC in May 4 this year.

Tomas Jr. said that even though his son is still in a critical situation, they are still thankful that the doctors were able to revive him.

Tomas Jr. said Tomas Carlos III is his second child. He said he believes his son has a health problem since whenever they have fighting matches in martial arts, his son pants heavier than him.  Ballesteros said since Tomas Carlos III enrolled in their swimming classes, the latter would always practice at their pool.

He said there is a possibility that the victim wanted to keep up with other swimmers who are tri-athletes and his body did not take the exhaustion.  Ballesteros reminds swimmers to practice buddy-buddy system or have a personal coach if they are still learning to swim. Always take a rest once tired, he added.

The CCSC official further said swimming pools should always have life guards watching over the swimmers and that kids should have guardians.

Ballesteros said they are constantly communicating with the parents of the victim and have assured to help them. — /NSA (FREEMAN)