3 teen synchro swimmers faint, at same time

Seattle Synchronized Swim Team members pass out during practice

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Synchronized swimmers faint in pool
April 22: Three teenage girls fainted while practicing synchronized swimming at an indoor pool in he Seattle area. KING's Elisa Hahn reports.

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updated 11:40 a.m. ET April 22, 2008

KENMORE, Wash. - It was a close call for three teenagers who were swimming at the indoor pool at St. Edwards State Park Monday afternoon.

The pool was full of kids at the time, but for some reason, the three girls who were practicing synchronized swimming at the deep end of the pool all fainted and went under at the same time.

Rescuers performed CPR on one teenager and rescue-breathing on two others.

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All three patients, who are between 12 and 15 years old, were resuscitated and taken to Kirkland's Evergreen Hospital.

"I saw the synch coach jump in with all her clothes on, which is very unusual," said Rachael Hublou, lifeguard. "She came out of the water and was holding a girl that was completely blue."

The three girls, who are part of the Seattle Synchronized Swim Team, were practicing synchronized swimming when they passed out at the deep end of the pool.

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Video: Teens pass out simultaneously

Witnesses said while the three girls were being resuscitated, another girl and the mother of one of the three girls went into shock.

All five were transported to the hospital.

Some members of the Seattle Synchronized Swim Team have competed in the Olympics. Officials said part of their training is learning how to hold their breath for long periods of time.

"I've been involved in the club for 12 years and I've only seen one time a swimmer pass out from holding their breath," said Craig Penner.

The Fire Department has asked King County Health to check out the chlorine levels of the pool to see if the chemical might have caused the girls to faint.

Two of the girls were admitted at Evergreen Hospital, the third was transported to Children's Hospital in Seattle.