North Raleigh Today

John Mangrum credits the lifeguards at Pullen Aquatic Center in Raleigh for giving him a second chance at life. After experiencing cardiac arrest while swimming, Mangrum attributes his survival to their swift response.

“They really are heroes,” Mangrum expressed. “They are the only reason I’m still here.”

During his morning swim, lifeguard Mark Hogue noticed Mangrum in distress. “He was moaning and doubled over. So, I blew the whistle and ran over there. It was surreal,” said Hogue. “It was amazing how we all came together, and our training just kicked in.”

Lifeguard Steven Harper, with a 20-year Navy background, quickly pulled Mangrum from the water. Harper sees lifeguarding as more than a job. “I took this job, not as a hobby, but as a purpose. And that purpose came into full focus that morning.”

Assistant Manager Caroline Truelove initiated CPR on the pool deck and used an automatic external defibrillator (AED) twice to revive Mangrum’s heart. “We train weekly, monthly, and annually. It’s so important,” Truelove explained. “We were all operating on adrenaline, but we were all in sync with one another. It’s just great to know Mr. Mangrum is going to be OK.”

Following his hospital release, Mangrum visited the aquatic center to express gratitude to those who saved him, presenting them with a plaque acknowledging their life-saving actions.