Sports Bureau (ID) President Pun Weng Kun told reporters that the announcement by the Fire Services Bureau (CB) of a suspected drowning case in which a man at the Aquatic Centre of the Olympic Sports Centre died yesterday morning was wrong because the deceased did not enter the swimming pool.
Pun made the remarks on the sidelines of a public event at Galaxy Macau in Cotai, adding that he was saddened by the incident and offered his condolences to the man’s family.
The Fire Services Bureau (CB) reported at 8 a.m. yesterday that a male resident was suspected to have drowned at the Aquatic Centre of the Olympic Sports Centre.
Firefighters first identified the deceased as a male resident aged around 50, and when the firefighters arrived at the scene, the man was not breathing and had no heartbeat.
The man was pronounced dead after being rushed to the public Conde de São Januário Hospital Centre for emergency treatment, according to the Fire Services Bureau.
Public Security Police (PSP) officers later identified the man as a resident aged around 60, and told the media that the man had suddenly fainted while resting by the pool.
Pun said that after checking the Sports Centre’s CCTV camera system, the man was seen walking from the changing room to the poolside, without ever getting to the pool.
After the accident happened, lifeguards, who had noticed that the man appeared to be unwell, gave him first aid immediately and called an ambulance, Pun said.
Asked whether the swimming pool had complied with all the official safety rules, Pun said that in every sports facility, including swimming pools, there are established rules and safety measures.
“I hope that other people who like to do sport can do a proper warm-up exercise before they do any sport, and that they should understand their own physical condition during or before their exercise.” Pun said.
Pun also pointed out that lifeguards have always been required to take examinations for their licences, adding that there are also basic certificates for them to reach a certain level before they can practise their profession.
Pun said the case requires an in-depth investigation, adding that the bureau will review the incident.
Irrespective of the incident, the swimming pool continued to operate normally.
Sports Bureau (ID) President Pun Weng Kun talks to reporters on the sidelines of a public event at Galaxy Macau in Cotia.
– Photo courtesy of TDM
