Tara Kearsey
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (July 12/02) - John Komak is praising the lifeguards at Ruth Inch Memorial Pool for saving his daughter from drowning.

Fourteen-year-old Alice Komak was swimming with her younger sister Amelia and some friends the afternoon of June 26 when she inadvertently wandered into the deep end.

Alice, who does not know how to swim, began to panic and couldn't keep above the surface.

"She's never been in the water before and I guess she ended up in the deep water and she almost drowned," said her father.

The lifeguards noticed she was having problems staying afloat and rushed to give her assistance, according to her father.

The lifeguards revived Alice and she was rushed to Stanton Territorial Hospital. She was admitted but released the following morning and has now completely recovered.

Alice has been a little frightened of water since the incident. Alice said she "can't remember that much" about the incident but hasn't wanted to go near water since then.

Komak said he won't allow Alice to go to the pool again until she learns how to swim.

"Once she has lessons I think she can go to the swimming pool, but she hasn't mentioned going swimming yet," said Komak.

"I think she's holding off on swimming lessons for now."

Alice and her family are very grateful for the quick response time the lifeguards showed in bringing her to safety.

Komak said he talked by phone with one of the lifeguards who saved his daughter, but doesn't remember her name.

"She did talk to me on the phone but I didn't get to meet her," he said.