Failed swim test triggers emergency call in Batavia

A young boy attempting to earn the right to swim in the deep end of Batavia's Harold Hall Quarry Beach pool instead ended up being taken to the hospital Wednesday afternoon.

Batavia Fire Department personnel responded to a report of a possible drowning at about 2:30 p.m. Rescue crews found Batavia Park District lifeguards already attending to the boy, whom fire department personnel described as being between 6 and 9 years old.

Battalion Chief Edward Jancauskas said the boy, whose identity is being withheld, was conscious and breathing by the time fire personnel arrived. At no time did he require CPR.

The boy was under observation of lifeguards during the entire incident, Jancauskas said. All swimmers who want to venture out to the deep end must show a capacity for how far and how long they can swim. Jancauskas said the lifeguards observe swim tests for anyone who wants to go out to the deep water throughout the day. The boy failed the test, but the pool remained open for other swimmers.

Park district staff did not immediately respond to a request for comment.