Newark lifeguards jump into action to save teen suffering seizure in pool

SOCIETY Newark lifeguards jump into action to save teen suffering seizure in pool Thursday, August 6, 2026 8:47PM The lifeguards spoke out Thursday about their life-saving efforts. NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- Two lifeguards in Newark are being called heroes after they saved a teenager's life.

It happened just before 10 a.m. Thursday at the pool at Saint Peter's Park Recreation Center.

The 13-year-old boy, who is nonverbal and has autism, had a seizure while in the pool.

That is when the lifeguards sprang into action.

"When we first got to him, he was unresponsive and did not have a pulse, was not breathing, so after five cycles of chest compressions and ventilations, he gasped for air and we placed him into recovery position until EMS arrived on the scene," lifeguard Rafaela Cura said.

Cura said she doesn't think what they did was heroic, it was simply what they had to do.

"It's the job, we guard lives, we're lifeguards," lifeguard Kyla Dixon Hammond said.

The boy was taken to the hospital, alert and breathing.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka commended the lifeguards for their heroic actions.

"Thanks to the immediate response of two of our lifeguards who sprang into action immediately. He received prompt care and is now safe. We are incredibly proud of their training and professionalism," Baraka said.