A MAN who was unconscious in a swimming pool for 15 minutes after suffering a fit has thanked his friend and lifeguards who ‘without a doubt saved my life’. Joe Pownall, 35, of Heaton Street, Blackburn, was enjoying an evening swim with his friend Lisa Bridgeman, 26, at the town centre Waves Water Fun Centre when he passed out after suffering an epileptic seizure. Lisa immediately reacted by diving under the water and bringing Joe’s head above the surface. She then managed to pull him to the poolside, where two lifeguards joined the rescue. Staff at Waves have described Joe’s rescue as ‘perfectly executed’. Joe, of Heaton Street, said he was truly thankful to those who helped him. He said: “I have gone swimming regularly without incident so it was a big shock to me. “I was in the pool one minute and the next thing I remember is the life guard, cradling my head saying ‘your friend has saved your life’. “I’ve had fits before but my condition is highly controlled by medication and when I do have a fit it’s normally over in a couple of minutes. “I would have died if it wasn’t for Lisa looking after me and the brilliant staff at the pool, they saved me from drowning.” Lisa, said she quickly realised that Joe was in trouble. “All of a sudden he went under the water. I could tell he wasn’t messing around. Joe was thrashing about and wasn’t conscious. “I was scared but I’ve had first aid training so knew what to do. I shouted to the lifeguard and then turned Joe over so his airways were out of the water. “Luckily he was in the shallow end so with the help of the female lifeguard we got him to the side of the pool and another member of staff supported his head. “It was fortunate I was close to him at the time.” Joe was unconscious for more than 15 minutes while still in the pool, with Lisa and lifeguards Paul Stewart and Jeren Akin supporting him and ensuring he didn’t take in any water. Eventually, he came round and was able to leave the pool unaided. “Everyone was brilliant,” said Joe. “Paramedics checked me out and the lifeguards wrapped me in foil blankets which made me look like a Christmas turkey. “I’m so thankful for all the assistance I got. “I’ve made an appointment with my doctor but hopefully it was a one-off incident.” Iain Duncan, pool shift manager, said Joe’s rescue on Thursday couldn’t have been executed better. He said: “Paul and Jeren acted swiftly and helped Lisa get Joe to safety. Fifteen minutes is a long time to be unconscious but they ensured a good outcome.” “Training is key to all we do here. The lifeguards get 32 hours training over every two-year cycle.” Diane Sholl is the lifeguard training assessor for all four of Blackburn with Darwen’s pools. She said: “When someone has a fit and becomes unconscious, it’s vital that not even the smallest amount of water gets in the airways as it can cause pneumonia and complications days later. “The lifeguards are trained to handle situations like this as second nature and thankfully Joe was in the best of hands.”