Noida boy got stuck in pool vent, lifeguards did not notice

A nine-year-old boy got stuck in a part of the swimming pool of a highrise residential society at Sector 78 and is now admitted to a hospital in a critical condition. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening when Aditya Wardhan, 9, was playing in the swimming pool of Mahagun Moderne society at Sector 78.

“Aditya dived into the swimming pool, which is not more four to five foot deep. His hand got stuck in a vent at the bottom of the pool that is meant to circulate water. The lifeguards were there but they did not notice him for over five to six minutes. He was pulled out after one of them spotted him,” said Layan Bhargav of Sector 78.

He said the lifeguards performed CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) to get him breathing again and cough out the water in his lungs.

“He was rushed to a private hospital where his condition continued to be critical. He is admitted to the ICU and was put on ventilator support. We organised a prayer meet at the society for his quick recovery,” said Pankaj Kumar of the Mahagun Moderne society.

Aditya lives with his parents at the Mantova Tower of the society. No complaint regarding the incident was made at the police station and the victim’s family said they will seek police intervention once Aditya recovers.

“We have not received any complaint yet. We are aware of the incident though. Necessary steps will be taken according to the law, if required,” said Dinesh Yadav, in-charge, Sector 49 police station.

The builders, however, said that the incident was a result of ‘multiple human failures at various levels’.

“…It appears that the child was not accompanied by a guardian and had possibly ventured into an area meant for adults only. However, we are also looking at the possibility of error or omission on the part of the team responsible for maintenance of the pool, and will take necessary action to enhance the safety and security, as required,” said Amit Jain, director, Mahagun Group.