During the MS Mega Swim event held last Saturday and Sunday to raise money for multiple sclerosis, the young woman needed immediate first aid, which was provided for her.

The lack of a defibrillator at the pool following the incident led to an outcry on social media, particularly on the I Live in Leeton page on Facebook.

The original post called on council to take immediate action and said it was terrible to find out there was no defibrillator at the pool.

Many joined the call for urged action due to the lack of a defibrillator and were surprised to hear the pool doesn’t have access to one.

However, contrary to the discussions on social media, according to council it is not a requirement of public pools to have a defibrillator on site. 

Council were also quick to point out at no stage was it required.

“In Saturday’s incident, a defibrillator was never called for by anyone attending,” general manager Jackie Kruger said.

“More importantly, it would not have been appropriate to use one in that particular situation anyway.”

Mrs Kruger praised the staff at the event for jumping to action when required.

“Our council pool staff are trained in first aid and managed the situation appropriately,” she said.

“We understand that the person who took ill while swimming in the Mega Swim is recuperating.

“We wish her a full recovery.”

The outcry has prompted a response to this hot topic issue with many in the community worried what might have happened if the situation was more dire.

While many of those engaged in the online debate wanted an immediate response, others understood these ideas take time, money and effort to achieve.

One commenter made the point of their should be one in the area so the pool and surrounding sporting ovals can use it if the need arose.

Mrs Kruger said council have taken on board the response from the public and have now made the first step into looking at ways of potentially meeting the requests made to have a machine at the pool and other sporting facilities around the area.

“Given the community interest in regards to the availability of defibrillators, a report will be prepared for the April council meeting,” Mrs Kruger said.

“This will be to consider the cost and benefits of installing defibrillators at Leeton Shire Council pools and sports facilities (in the wider shire).”