Auckland public pool closed for blessing after man dies

An east Auckland public pool will close for a blessing this afternoon, following the death of a young man at the facility yesterday.

The man in his mid 20s was pulled from the water unresponsive after suffering what is believed to be a medical event while training for a triathlon at Glen Innes Pool and Leisure Centre on Elstree Ave.

An onlooker said the man appeared to have had a cardiac arrest on the edge of the pool before falling in.

St John confirmed yesterday that the man died in a water incident about 11.15am.

The leisure centre will be closed for 10 minutes at 1.55pm this afternoon for "another blessing by a kaumatua from the local marae," according to the facilities Facebook page.

A spokeswoman for Auckland Council said the blessing us for staff at the YMCA managed centre.

"We understand the blessing this afternoon is for the staff at the YMCA who have been affected by yesterday's sad events, and to help support them through this difficult time."

The facility will be CLOSED for 10mins at 1.55pm this afternoon for another blessing by a kaumatua from the local marae.

Posted by YMCA at Glen Innes Pool on Friday, 10 February 2017

Staff performed CPR until the fire service arrived with a defibrillator but the man couldn't be saved.

"He looked very pale," the onlooker said.

"Things didn't look good."

Auckland Council active recreation manager Rob McGee said council will be working with staff, contractors and anyone at the pool when the incident happened to offer support.

"Sadly, despite the efforts of trained lifeguards and staff who immediately attempted to resuscitate the person, the person was unable to be revived," he said.

"Our thoughts are with the individual and their family, as well as the staff, at this difficult time."