Drowning Raises Safety Questions

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Story Published: May 20, 2008 at 5:47 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 8:28 PM MST

By Hasti Taghi

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Michael Hanson was swimming at these pools yesterday when he drowned.
There is no suspected fowl play and the coroner says the death is most likely caused by a prior medical issue.

"Our staff did everything they could and they performed as they have been taught." Center Director Jerry Sepich

The staff at Pocatello's community recreational center have been certified in CPR and refreshed on it frequently.
But is that enough to save a man's life?

" There needs to be a lifeguard on duty at all times." - Bobby Goldhahn, Swim Instructor

But there isn't... the recreational center only has lifeguards at times when the pool is open to the public. at all other times... swimmers must swim at their own risk...a risk that Hanson took for a number of years. he was a regular at these pools.

The last such incident at the pool was just last year when a man died of a heart attack in the hot tub. the rec center does not have an a-e-d on hand. but should they? not always by law... a Maryland health club is learning although it is not a requirement... not having an a-e-d could mean a negligence suit. Bally fitness in Gaithsburg has been sued by the family of a man who died at their gym. no word yet on complaints at the Pocatello rec-center.

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