Lifeguards save child from drowning at Saw Mill Club

The pool at the Saw Mill Club in Mount Kisco where a child was rescued from drowning June 24 by staff lifeguards. MARTIN WILBUR PHOTO

By MARTIN WILBUR

The lifeguard staff at the Genesis/Saw Mill Club in Mount Kisco was credited with saving a child from drowning in the facility’s outdoor pool last week.

The Mount Kisco Volunteer Ambulance Corps responded to the club at 77 Kensico Drive at about 1:30 p.m. on June 24 for a drowning incident. But quick response from the pool’s lifeguards and staff enabled the child to be “immediately rescued, assessed and cared for” until emergency responders arrived, according to a communication to members by Genesis/Saw Mill Club Vice President Kevin Kane.

Additional information about what may have caused the incident and the age of the child were not released by the club. A message left for Mount Kisco Volunteer Ambulance Corps Capt. Sam Parish was not returned. 

The email to Saw Mill Club members stated that the child was transported to the hospital but was conscious and in good spirits when he left the facility. The child’s family was notified immediately after the incident.

“We are incredibly grateful to share that the young swimmer is doing well and recovering,” Kane’s message to members read.

Kane shared an email he received from Parish asking for a list of the names of the lifeguards who were on duty at the time of the incident to honor them with lifesaving commendation awards.

“I would like to express my commendation to your staff, particularly Lifeguard Amy, for their exceptional efforts in rescuing the patient from the water and enabling them to breathe independently,” Parish stated. “The patient was conscious and communicating prior to the ambulance crew’s departure for the hospital, a testament to the prompt and skilled work of your lifeguards.”

The pool remained closed to swimmers until at least Monday while the Saw Mill Club awaited the go-ahead from the Health Department to reopen. Kane indicated that the temporary closure is mandated “standard protocol” by the state to provide time to review the incident and have a thorough investigation completed. 

A kiddie pool located near the main pool also was closed following the incident. He expected the pool to be put back in operation soon.

In May 2024, both locations of the Saw Mill Club in Mount Kisco were acquired by the Kansas-based Genesis Health Clubs, the largest privately owned fitness club company in the U.S. The other location, Saw Mill Club East, is at the Diamond Properties complex, located at 333 North Bedford Road, Mount Kisco.