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Witnesses claim lifeguards slow to react as man drowns at Wild Waves

Aug 22, 2016, 8:25 AM | Updated: 8:26 am

Wild Waves...

Witnesses described the scene at Wild Waves as chaotic and say the lifeguards took time to debate about what to do. (South King Fire & Rescue)

(South King Fire & Rescue)

Witnesses to a drowning at Wild Waves Theme Park say lifeguards were slow to react.

A 33-year-old man drowned at the theme park on Saturday, a spokesperson with South King Fire and Rescue said.

Wild Waves officials said in a statement Sunday that lifeguards pulled the man out of one of the activity pools around 5:30 p.m. Saturday evening. Lifeguards and first responder teams began CPR.

The circumstances of the man’s death are unclear, though some are pointing fingers at the lifeguards. Witnesses describe the scene as chaotic and say the lifeguards took time to debate about what to do.

South King Fire officials have not released any additional information and defer to Wild Wave staff for further details.

Wild Waves issued an official statement.

At approximately 5:30 pm Saturday evening, our lifeguards pulled a 33-year-old male from the Activity Pool. Lifeguards and first responder teams immediately administered CPR and 911 was called. At 5:33 pm, South King Fire and Rescue crews arrived on scene and continued rescue efforts. Unfortunately, the man did not regain consciousness. We are helping authorities with the follow-up investigation. Our thoughts are with the family in this difficult time.

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Witnesses claim lifeguards slow to react as man drowns at Wild Waves