By Wyatt Robb
Staff Writer
The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office ruled on May 21 that a rare heart defect caused the death of 42 year-old lifeguard Brian Kutil at the Mira Costa pool in January.
The coroner identified the defect as congenital hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that often goes undetected. The condition, characterized by an abnormally thick heart muscle, can cause heart failure if left untreated.
“Honestly, I don’t think it could be more tragic,” Mira Costa principal Ben Dale said. “Someone ultimately lost their life. Nothing is worse than that.”
Kutil was performing his 500-meter recertification swim at the Mira Costa pool when he stopped swimming, and began struggling to stay afloat. Other lifeguards attending the event pulled Kutil from the water and worked to revive him on the pool deck. He was eventually pronounced dead at Providence Little Company of Mary Hospital.
“The whole situation was very shocking,” Freshmen Kalea Conrad said. “It didn’t soak in for many of us until later in the day. I knew there was nothing we could do but let the lifeguards handle it.”
Brian Kutil attended El Segundo High School. Kutil was an avid swimmer and waterpolo player. After high school, he attended El Camino College where he continued as a member of the swim team.
“He got to do something he loved. If we could all do that, it would be pretty awesome,” Kutil’s swim coach at El Camino, Corey Stanbury said.
While Kutil was being revived beside the pool, members of the Mira Costa Swim Team were completing their morning practice. The lifeguards had been using an empty section of the pool for their swim while the team swam in the remaining lanes.
“Our concern is always the safety of kids. That was a hard day. A hard day for Costa as a whole. Many kids were affected by his death,” Dale said.
A team of grief counselors was made available to students on the day of the incident Those who witnessed the event were not forced to return to class until they felt ready. Swim team practice was also cancelled the following day.
“The counselors were so supportive. Students didn’t have to return to their classes until any time they felt comfortable,” Conrad said. “We had group and individual talks, which really helped us understand that it would be okay.”
A memorial service was held for Kutil at Dockweiler State Beach on January 24th. In attendance was his surviving mother, father, and sister. A separate flag service was also held to honor Brian Kutil’s 21 years of service with the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
“He was beloved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed by this Fire Department family,” the LA County Fire Department said.
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