Family Learns Swim Safety After Near Tragedy
DENVER (CBS4)- A family reunion nearly turned tragic when a young boy was found floating face down in the pool. Now everyone in the family is learning swim safety to avoid another possible tragedy.
Ted and Meigan Sahlstrom were with relatives at a private pool. Ted was in the water with the children when he suddenly saw his 5-year-old son, Michael, floating in the water -- unresponsive.
"When you go to get your kid and you think he's playing in the water and you grab at him and he is unresponsive and floating face down in the water... so that's what I found and not breathing," said Ted.
Even though Ted was in the water with his kids he didn't see Michael go down the slide and underwater. It all happened so quickly but fortunately a relative knew CPR. Michael was airlifted to a nearby hospital and survived.
Now, two years later, Michael is 7 years old and learning to swim at the YMCA in Denver.
He is excited to tell CBS4, "I've learned how to swim like this!" as he demonstrates he strokes.
"I love it because the water is warm and I can do a lot of bobs."
Michael's mother Meigan is anxious for her son to be a strong swimmer but finds the process of watching difficult.
"It's nerve-wracking, you watch like a hawk. The fears never really leave," said Meigan.
Ted has signed up for adult swim lessons at the YMCA to brush up on his swim skills and to learn more about overall safety.
YMCA Aquatic Director Brad Harpin stresses the importance of water safety for everyone, "Folks that are on the sidelines of the edges of water, it's important for them to be aware of what to do as well."
Michael now enjoys the water and the family has learned an important lesson: everyone needs to be vigilant in and around the water.
The YMCA offers swimming classes for all age groups and all skill levels.
LINK: www.denverymca.org or call 720.524.2700.
Suzanne McCarroll is a general assignment reporter at CBS4. Her stories can regularly be seen on CBS4 News at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. Connect with her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter @SuzanneCBS4.
