A 20-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Lifeguard Division died during a recertification swim exercise Thursday morning.
According to a new release from L.A. County FD, Ocean Lifeguard Specialist Brian Kutil, 42, was participating in the exercise at Mira Costa High School in the City of Manhattan Beach.
The Manhattan Beach Fire Department issued a statement saying “an adult swimmer …was noticed to be in distress and having difficulties.” The statement says the swimmer, who was not identified by name, was pulled from the pool and given lifesaving measures.
Kutil was treated by fellow L.A. County lifeguards and paramedics from the Manhattan Beach Fire Department. He was transported to Little Company of Mary Hospital in Torrance, Calif. Despite heroic efforts, he was pronounced dead at 7:01 a.m.
“All of us are shocked by this terrible early morning news,” said Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends and his Fire Department family. Please keep everyone in your thoughts as we mourn his tragic loss.”
