Student critical after near-drowning

A Year 11 student from the Western Australian College of Agriculture Morawa was in a critical condition today at Royal Perth Hospital following a near drowning in the Mid West.

The incident is believed to have happened between 2.30pm and 3pm on Wednesday at the Morawa Swimming Pool while students attended a supervised swimming class.

A Department of Education spokesperson said the boy appeared unwell and was unresponsive, and was given assistance at the poolside.

He was then transferred to Morawa District Hospital where he received further assistance before being transported to Royal Perth Hospital by Royal Flying Doctor Service.

The pool facility is expected to remain closed until Saturday while enquiries into the incident continue.

Shire of Morawa president Cr Karen Chappel said the decision had been made to keep the pool closed until a staff incident report had been completed.

“From what we understand at this stage, this is a terrible accident during a supervised school excursion,” she said.

“However we would prefer to give due consideration to the detail to come from the incident report before reopening the facility.

“The Shire recognises the value of pool access to the community but also wants to be reassured there is no issue with ongoing community safety.

“Our thoughts are with the student and his family at this time and wish him a swift and full recovery.”