There’s very little information on in-water resuscitation (IWR). In fact, most people aren’t even aware it’s possible. According to a conference paper published by the International Life Saving Federation, there’s very little science backing up the accuracy of the procedure: “Even trained lifeguards cannot always accomplish IWR technique effectively, especially in deep water.” The Sun News spoke with Horry County Fire Rescue Chief Joseph Tanner, who said that the boy’s life was saved only due to the amazing actions of Shaun Skursky, the responding police, and everyone else who stepped in to help. “The fact that he was alive when he was transported to the hospital can be larger attributed to the fact that several people involved in the incident, in his rescue, gave him mouth-to-mouth while he was underwater,” he said. Skursky told Today that he’s incredibly glad he was there to help save the boy’s life. “It’s just something I felt like I had to do,” he said, “and I’m glad I did it because now this little boy gets to live the rest of his life out.”
