A10-year-old girl was rescuedApril 28 after her finger became trapped in a small opening in a swimming pool at Beacon High School in Beacon, New York, prompting a rescue operation involving multiple emergency agencies.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the school in Dutchess County after reports that the child’s finger had become lodged in an opening in the pool structure. Officials said the opening was about a half-inch wide and likely part of the pool’s circulation or drainage system.
Firefighters arriving on scene found the girl’s finger trapped below the waterline.
Crews initiated a coordinated rescue that included partially draining the pool and using specialized cutting tools to remove a section of the pool structure. The operation required what officials described as a technical approach to avoid further injury while freeing the child. Additional assistance was requested from nearby agencies, including the Arlington Fire District for specialized equipment, though that request was later canceled.
After the section of the pool was cut away, responders were able to free the child.
She sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
Authorities did not say how long the girl was trapped or how the incident occurred.
Officials also did not specify whether the pool was in use for a school activity at the time.
The incident remains under review.
