A team of well-trained lifeguards and staff members at Victoria University of Sport have been recognised with an Everyday Lifesaver award for their quick-thinking actions which saved a man’s life.
The team banded together to save a non-responsive patron on April 3, 2022.
Anish Sathyan, who had no history of medical conditions and no warning leading up to the incident, suffered a cardiac arrest while swimming laps in the Victorian University Aquatic Centre.
Life Saving Victoria said Mr Sathyan had only been in the pool a couple of minutes when the incident occurred.
When another swimmer noticed the man in distress, he tried to assist. When a lifeguard saw Mr Sathyan was in trouble other staff responded by clearing the area of other patrons and calling emergency services.
Mr Sathyan was pulled out of the pool on a spinal board and was unresponsive. The lifeguard and management staff checked his breathing and commenced CPR and defibrillation until he started breathing again and emergency services arrived to transport him to hospital.
The team was given the award which recognises outstanding bystander rescues undertaken in a safe manner that don’t put the rescuer at risk.
The award is given by the Play It Safe By The Water (PISBTW) committee to people who have used their lifesaving and water safety skills to perform a significant rescue.
Victoria University sport facilities manager Rohenna Young said the team’s collaboration and efficiency was an integral part of making this a non- fatal incident.
“The team response was incredible, it really shows the importance of the whole team of lifeguards and staff, and what a difference working together makes in an emergency situation.”
Jennifer Pittorino
