Tyrone boy, 9, in critical condition after near drowning

A 9-year-old Tyrone boy is in critical condition at Scottish Rite Hospital after his near drowning Sunday at the swimming pool in the Southampton subdivision.

Tyrone Police Det. Steve Lafferty said the boy was swimming with friends Sunday afternoon in the subdivision’s clubhouse pool. There were no other swimmers in the area when the lifeguard and another observer saw the boy under water in the shallow end of the pool, Lafferty said. It was not known how long the child had been under the water, said Lafferty.

The two pulled the boy from the pool and began administering CPR, said Lafferty. The child was transported to Piedmont Fayette Hospital and then to Scottish Rite. The boy is currently listed in critical condition, Lafferty said.

Lafferty said it appeared that the child was practicing holding his breath, adding that foul play is not suspected.

Lafferty said the department’s prayers are with the child and his family and that police hope for a full recovery.