Terrifying moment underwater suction pipe traps boy in pool for nine minutes
A 12-year-old boy is lucky to be alive after his leg became stuck in a suction pipe, leaving him trapped underwater for more than nine minutes as rescuers tried desperately to pull him free.
Police released footage taken in the swimming pool at the Avista Resort in North Myrtle Beach, California, showing two boys playing around in the “lazy river” on March 19.
The boys can be seen exploring the base of the pool before they eventually manage to pry the safety grate off.
After repeated dives to examine the grate, one of the boys fails to emerge above the water.
His friend’s attempt to pull him free are in vain, prompting him to call for help from nearby adults.
The harrowing footage shows adults jump into the pool from different directions and attempt to get his leg free.
Police were immediately called, but with time an urgent factor, one adult submerged himself again and again to provide the boy with mouth-to-mouth.
Emergency responders eventually arrived and managed to pry the boy’s leg free and immediately laid him down by the pool and began performing CPR.
Police said the boy is alive and in hospital, but did not reveal any further details about his condition.
Yahoo7 News has contacted the Avista Resort for comment.
