Neighbors Save Fairfield Woman From Drowning

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield firefighters are crediting a woman's neighbors with saving her life after a near-drowning Sunday. The incident occurred just after 8:30 p.m., when first responders were called to the Trademark Fairfield apartments at 655 Commerce Drive, according to a fire department news release.

When rescuers arrived on scene, a 50-year-old woman was found lying by the apartment building's pool, breathing but not responsive, the news release said. After receiving medical assistance on scene, she was taken to St. Vincent's Medical Center in stable condition.

The rescue effort began when a resident on an upper floor looked down at the pool and saw the woman floating face down in the water, according to the department. The resident alerted two men sitting on the pool deck to the situation and called 911. The men pulled the woman, who is a building resident, out of the water and onto the patio

"This incident was a tragedy averted by attentive, helpful neighbors," Assistant Chief George Gomola said in the news release. "While it highlights the dangers of swimming alone at night, it also demonstrates what can happen when members of a community work together."