22-year-old female found unconscious in bottom of pool

COLUMBIA — A 22-year-old female is in critical condition after being rescued from the bottom of a pool at Tara Apartments, according to a news release from the Columbia Fire Department. Her name has not yet been released.

Firefighters responded to the report of a possible drowning at 9:20 p.m. They arrived to find the victim lying unconscious on the pool floor in about eight feet of water. Bystanders said she had been under water for about five minutes, according to the release. She was pulled from the pool and firefighters tried to resuscitate her. She was then transported to University Hospital in critical condition.

The victim was visiting a resident of the Tara Apartments, at 1133 Ashland Road, and the two were swimming together, according to the release. The victim had been swimming for approximately 45 minutes when she lost her breath and went under. She was described as a "new swimmer," the release said.

Residents were reminded to use caution while swimming in an area with no lifeguard.