A four-year-old girl has died after being rescued from a hotel swimming pool in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, earlier this afternoon (Saturday).
Emergency services were alerted at around 1.30pm after the child was pulled from the water and was found to be in need of urgent medical assistance, according to reports from the Canary Islands Emergency and Security Coordination Centre (CECOES).
During the emergency call, a coordinating nurse at the 112 control centre confirmed that the girl was suffering a cardiac arrest caused by swallowing too much water. Immediate instructions were given over the phone to a lifeguard at the scene, who began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while waiting for emergency crews to arrive.
SUC paramedics continued advanced life-support treatment upon reaching the hotel and carried out prolonged resuscitation efforts. Despite their attempts, they were unable to revive the child and her death was confirmed at the scene.
The Guardia Civil have opened an investigation and are responsible for compiling the official report into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The tragedy comes as authorities continue to remind residents and visitors of the importance of constant supervision of children around swimming pools, particularly during the busy summer season when hotels and holiday resorts experience increased numbers of guests.
No further details regarding the child's identity or nationality have been released.
