Lexington Parks and Recreation urges pool safety after near-drowning during extreme heat

A man was taken to the hospital after a near-drowning at a Lexington apartment complex Wednesday night, prompting Lexington Parks and Recreation officials to share pool safety reminders just as families plan to swim for the July 4 holiday weekend. According to LEX 18, Lexington Fire crews were called to Lakeshore Drive around 8 p.m. Wednesday, and first responders arrived to find the man had already been pulled from the water and rushed for medical care.

LEX 18 reported that the man’s condition had not been confirmed at the time of the report. While the incident occurred at an apartment complex pool site rather than one of the city’s aquatic centers, Parks and Recreation officials said the close call underscores how quickly drowning incidents can happen, particularly during periods of extreme heat when more people seek cooling and recreation.

Superintendent of enterprise for Lexington Parks and Recreation Curtis Mitchell said the city is seeing crowds increase as temperatures climb. He said the heat is drawing more swimmers to public pools, and that safety must come first before anyone enters the water, even during a holiday weekend when families are looking to spend time together.

Mitchell told LEX 18 that supervision needs to be deliberate as pool activity increases. He recommended that swimmers be able to see the bottom of the pool, keep an eye on their group, and “swim with a buddy.” For gatherings this holiday weekend, he said parents and hosts should designate a sober, undistracted “water watcher” to stay focused on children and other swimmers throughout the time in and around the water.

City guidance also emphasized hydration and breaks from the sun. Mitchell said people may not think about drinking water while they are in the pool, and he urged pool-goers to stay hydrated and take time to get out of direct heat periodically. He framed these reminders as part of preventing emergency situations that can arise when outdoor temperatures rise and water activities become busier.

LEX 18 reported that Lexington’s aquatic centers are fully staffed with lifeguards, but Parks and Recreation still urged attendees to track their own party rather than relying solely on staff. The near-drowning incident and the safety messaging are being delivered amid an “Extreme Heat Activation” period that remains in effect through 9 p.m. Friday, according to the report.

In addition to safety reminders, LEX 18 said Lexington aquatic centers will continue offering half-price admission through Friday as part of the city response to the heat. City officials said the combination of staffed supervision, lifeguards, and heightened attention from families is intended to reduce the likelihood of drownings and other water-related emergencies during peak summer conditions.

For residents planning to use public pools over the holiday weekend, Parks and Recreation’s guidance focuses on immediate, practical steps: ensuring clear visibility of the pool area, maintaining active supervision, using a buddy system, designating a water watcher for parties, and pairing pool time with hydration and shade or rest intervals. The city said the goal is to prevent preventable injuries while families enjoy recreational swim time during the busiest part of the summer season.