Hastings Aquacourt to close for remainder of the season after near-drowning

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Hastings Parks and Recreation Department announced on Friday that the Aquacourt Water Park will not reopen for the remainder of the 2024 season.

This comes after a 13-year-old girl visiting from Japan nearly drowned after a “medical event” on Wednesday.

Lifeguards began administering CPR after the girl was pulled from the deep end of the pool.

Rescue workers also used an AED and she was taken to Mary Lanning Hospital in critical condition.

The girl was participating in the Hastings International Exchange Organization program.

Her parents are currently in Japan and have been notified.

The most recent update from the Hastings Police Department said they were working to move the girl to Children’s Hospital in Omaha.

The Aquacourt was originally set to close on Aug. 9, with a doggy paddle event on Aug 12, which will no longer take place.