Hartford’s new Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center opened with great fanfare the day after the Fourth of July. Kids splashed, families waded and community leaders were praised for the accomplishment.
However within two short months the lifeguards and Hartford administrators have been tested with a pair of incidents that are making folks lean heavy into their faith.
On Friday afternoon woman in her 40s was at the pool was in 3 feet of water when she experienced a medical emergency.
Lifeguards and emergency personnel came to the rescue but late Friday night City Administrator Steve Volkert confirmed “the woman was taken to Aurora Hospital in Hartford and was pronounced dead.”
The first incident for lifeguards happened when a 2-year-old boy was pulled from the water and resuscitated on July 25. His life was saved by parents and lifeguards on duty.
Volkert praised the quick action of the lifeguards and the assistance of adults who were in the area.
“The incident shows how well our lifeguards and staff are trained,” said Volkert. “It’s one thing for a lifeguard to rescue a 10 or 12-year-old kid but it’s another thing when it’s an infant. They did a great job.”
On Friday evening, Volkert said the “community was pretty shook up” following the latest incident at the pool.
The name of the woman is being withheld at this time. Volkert said she was not a resident of Hartford.
More information about the latest incident at Hartford’s pool is expected to be released in the coming days.
Photo courtesy ci.hartford.wi.com