The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Staff Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A 40-year-old man who was found at the bottom of a swimming pool at a resort in South Bahamia on Monday was recently released on bail and was reportedly wearing an electronic monitoring device at the time of the incident, The Tribune understands.

Grand Bahama police are investigating the apparent drowning but have not confirmed the monitoring device details.

The victim, who is believed to be a resident of Eight Mile Rock, had reportedly gone to the resort with his girlfriend.

According to police, officers were called to the resort at Sunken Treasure Drive shortly before 4.30pm after receiving reports of an unresponsive man in the pool.

Investigators said the man's girlfriend told them he had been swimming in the deep end when she noticed him sinking beneath the water.

She immediately called for help, and a person at the resort pulled the man from the pool and CPR was administered. On arrival, Emergency Medical Services personnel continued resuscitation efforts but were unable to revive him.

Resort manager Stacey Knowles said an employee responded after hearing the woman's cries for help and found the man submerged at the bottom of the pool. The employee entered the water, pulled him to the surface and assisted until emergency responders arrived.

Ms Knowles said the incident occurred on the Emancipation Day holiday when the resort's administrative office was closed. She explained that, as is customary on public holidays, a staff member was assigned to monitor the property in a security capacity.

She said the woman accompanying the victim had obtained a pool umbrella and a flotation device before entering the pool area. Additional life-saving equipment, including throwable flotation devices and life vests, was also available nearby for guests, she said.

According to Ms Knowles, the pool is clearly marked with signage warning that the deep end reaches approximately eight feet. She added that there were two women and two children in the pool area around the time of the incident.

Ms Knowles also noted that the pool is reserved for registered guests and that signs advising there is no lifeguard on duty are posted on the property. She said management strictly enforces its guest policy because people have occasionally attempted to use the pool without authorisation.

Police have not released the man's identity. Investigations are continuing, and an autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.