RUSSELL, Ky. (WSAZ) -- Summertime swimming fun nearly turned tragic Monday for a young girl rescued from drowning.

The quick action of rescuer Mike Lacks saved the girl’s life. She was in the shallow end of the pool when she encountered a drop-off into deeper water.

"There was no water splashing – nothing," Lacks said.

A firefighter trained in CPR, Lacks said he realizes he was in the right place at the right time. The girl had stopped breathing for nearly three minutes.

Aaron Withrow, chief engineer at WSAZ, is a certified CPR instructor who recently trained staff at the station.

"CPR is something anyone can do," he said.

Jason Smith, who has been a lifeguard for three years, said CPR knowledge is crucial, especially for families who have pools in their backyards. Information is available online about the basics of saving someone's life until trained professionals arrive.

“I think parents with pools should be certified -- and even babysitters,” he said.

The girl was released Wednesday from the hospital and is doing well.