Two people in a critical condition after getting into trouble at an Auckland pool on Saturday evening "looked like they were holding their breath", according to a witness who helped save their lives.
Emergency services were called to the Olympic Pools and Fitness Centre on Newmarket's Broadway at 7:30pm.
Two people have been taken to Auckland Hospital in a critical condition. Police told Newshub they "had gotten into trouble in the water at the pool".
Joel Crampton was swimming when he noticed two people not moving at the bottom of the pool.
"I noticed two young men at the bottom. [It] looked like they were holding their breath," he told Newshub.
Crampton, a champion swimmer who had just arrived from Wellington, said it appeared they were practising some kind of free diving technique.
"It looked like they knew what they were doing so I let them be for a little bit and did a couple of lengths.
"Then, they were still down there not moving, at which point the lifeguard was a bit concerned as well.
"So, I swam down to see if they were responsive and they weren't, so I pulled them both up and they weren't talking or breathing very well."
Crampton said he was "a little bit in shock" after the incident.
"Fortunately, there were a couple of doctors poolside... so they helped out with the lifeguards.
"It wasn't nice, pulling a limp body up from the bottom of the pool. I'm glad I was there and able to do it.
"Another 20-30 seconds and they probably wouldn't have made it."
The Olympic Pools confirmed to Newshub an incident had taken place and all their procedures had been followed.
In a statement, the family of one of the boys said their son was swimming to touch the bottom of the pool, which is 5 metres deep, and did not surface.
"Our son was not practicing freediving and he was not deliberately holding his breath underwater," they said.
"We would like to thank the retired doctor and competitive swimmer, Joel Crampton who assisted our son and first responders including Hato St John and the NZ Police.
"This is a tragic accident that occurred while swimming and we request that you respect our privacy at this time."
This story has been updated to include the family's statement.
