WEST HAVEN, Conn. — A 10-year-old on a school field trip at Seabluff Beach in West Haven was pulled from the water Monday morning, according to first responders.
“Likely, a life was saved here today. It could have been a very tragic incident at the beach this morning,” said Rick Fontana, director of emergency operations for the city of West Haven.
According to Fontana, people on scene said the East Rock student was in the water at around 10:28 a.m., and may have started choking on a piece of candy in her mouth.
“She then obviously stopped breathing and went under the water. Was pulled from the water to the beach and CPR was initiated by one of the chaperones,” Fontana said.
A bystander on the beach said she also performed mouth-to-mouth on the student. The girl eventually came to, and was rushed to the hospital for a medical exam.
According to Fontana, she was alert and conscious while in the ambulance.
One woman said didn’t see the incident, but was happy to hear about the life-saving actions of those involved.
“That’s amazing, but I mean I wouldn’t expect anything less from our community,” said Ashley Chiaraluci of Milford.
As a nanny, Chiaraluci is using this as a teachable moment for the toddler she watches. She said she is always on high alert when by the water with kids, especially after noticing Seabluff Beach isn’t covered by a lifeguard right now.
“I feel like having someone here around all day would probably be better. It definitely would have helped earlier in that situation,” Chiaraluci said.
Right now, the city is staffing the shoreline with lifeguards on the weekends and making the switch over to full, seven-day coverage come the week of June 23.
“Definitely swim near a lifeguard. Another thing is, if you are going with friends or family, make sure your eyes are on the water. Eyes on the kids, put the cellphones down,” said Margaret Ruggiero, pool and waterfront coordinator for West Haven.
For places that don’t have guards on duty just yet, Ruggiero recommends people become familiar with where they are going.
“The high tide is crucial. Know when high tide is. The tide comes in quick, and it goes out, so knowing that is very helpful,” Ruggiero said.
“We want you to the beautiful beach. But, there are some safety tips, you know make sure you don’t take your eyes off anyone that’s in that water. That’s probably the most important. If there is an emergency, call 911. And learn CPR. It could be your own family’s life that you’re saving,” Fontana said.
A spokesperson for New Haven Public Schools said the district is offering counseling support to students who witnessed Monday’s incident.
Julia LeBlanc is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jleblanc@fox61.com Follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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