OTTAWA, Ontario — A man in his 50s has died after suffering a medical emergency while swimming at Carleton University on Sunday evening, authorities said.
Emergency crews were called to the university’s swimming pool shortly after 8 p.m. following reports of a person in distress in the water.
According to Ottawa Paramedic Service spokesperson Marc-Antoine Deschamps, the man experienced cardiac arrest while in the pool and was pulled from the water by a lifeguard.
The lifeguard, assisted by a Carleton University campus security guard, immediately began CPR and continued life-saving efforts until paramedics arrived on scene.
Paramedics took over treatment and transported the man to a hospital in critical condition.
Despite those efforts, the Ottawa Police Service later confirmed that the man was pronounced dead at the hospital Sunday night.
Deschamps said it is possible the victim suffered a medical episode while swimming, although the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
In a statement issued Monday, Carleton University acknowledged what it described as a “critical incident” at the pool.
“Staff followed established safety and emergency response protocols, and the matter is currently being handled by the Ottawa Police Service,” the university said.
Authorities have not released the victim’s identity.
The Ottawa Police Service is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. No foul play has been reported, and officials have not released further details.
The incident remains under investigation.
