Discovery Bay residents angry after two boys ‘nearly drown’ in pool
Witnesses say lifeguards at Club Siena did nothing and residents had to rescue the children
Angry parents and residents of Discovery Bay have called for an investigation amid allegations that two children in trouble had to be plucked from the swimming pool of a plush leisure complex by members of the public – as lifeguards looked on.
Patrons of Club Siena – described as a deluxe facility on its website – have called for a probe into the training and hiring of lifeguards after one of the children, aged seven, had to be given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on Friday before being taken to hospital.
Residents say the incident happened just two days after another child had to be rescued from the same pool by someone other than a lifeguard. It is understood that child did not require hospital treatment.
Hong Kong Resort, which runs the club and other facilities, has not responded to emails and calls over the past two days. Managers at Club Siena declined to speak to a Post reporter who visited the facility on Saturday.
On Friday, a boy was pulled “lifeless” from the pool about lunchtime. The child remains in a “serious condition” in Princess Margaret Hospital, a spokeswoman said, after being transferred from North Lantau Hospital on Saturday.
Ben Rowse, the Discovery Bay resident who rescued the boy, told the Post: “I watched him for about 10 seconds assuming he was holding his breath ... but he didn’t move so I pulled him out. He was unconscious.”
The 42-year-old Briton was swimming when he spotted the boy, who was floating underwater near a group of young girls.
Rowse said there were at least four or five lifeguards around the pool, but they did not spot the child.
“A British guy came running up and took over first aid. He gave mouth-to-mouth resuscitation as the boy was completely lifeless and not breathing,” Rowse said.
The boy’s pulse returned and he made gurgling sounds, but was not conscious before an ambulance took him away.
The government confirmed that a boy, after encountering “swimming difficulties”, was sent to North Lantau Hospital at about 1.40pm on Friday.
In Wednesday’s incident, one eyewitness who asked not to be named said: “I was at the same pool, Club Siena. It was a near tragedy.
He actually called for help and the guards sat there. No response
“A boy swam too deep and seemed stuck. He actually called for help and the guards sat there. No response. I ran across the pool deck and was halfway to him before his sister got to him.
“Myself and a large portion of the community are deeply saddened and angry with the level of poor management on the part of both Siena Club and the residents’ club.”
The resident said lifeguards were constantly using mobile phones and other electronic devices – and regularly slept by the pool.
“Parents are obligated to watch our children, especially in potentially dangerous situations,” the resident added.
“No parent can have both eyes on a child every second, and even strong swimmers can get into trouble. This child’s parents must be in hell right now.”
Mother-of-one, Stella Eloff, who witnessed Friday’s incident, said: “I want the authorities to investigate or management to give proper training to lifeguards. I don’t feel safe as a parent to take my child there.”
