A 42-year-old Los Angeles County lifeguard died Thursday during a training exercise at a Manhattan Beach school.
Brian Kutil died shortly after 7 a.m. while taking part in a 500-meter re-certification swim at Mira Costa High School, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
It’s unclear exactly what transpired during the exercise, but Kutil, a 20-year veteran of the Lifeguard Division, was treated at the scene by county lifeguards and Manhattan Beach Fire Department paramedics. He was taken to Little Company of Mary Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“All of us are shocked by this terrible early morning news,” county Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby said. “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.”
— City News Service