Swimmer dies poolside at Western Washington University’s student recreation center
An initial report of a person in distress was followed by the announcement of a death on the Western Washington University campus Friday afternoon.
A swimmer appeared distressed on the side of the pool at the Wade King Student Recreation Center around noon. Lifeguards provided aid but the person soon became unresponsive.
The swimmer, who has yet to be identified, is not a Western Washington University student, WWU Communications Director John Thompson told The Bellingham Herald. Authorities are withholding an identification pending notification of family members.
An initial campus advisory incorrectly stated the swimmer was found underwater at the campus swimming pool, Thompson said. The death does not initially appear to be a drowning.
Lifeguards and staff began to perform CPR, and responding EMTs could not revive the swimmer, according to the initial campus advisory sent out at 1:30 p.m.
The pool was closed for the rest of the day.
