Colleagues “Shocked” by Death of Lifeguard During Swim Exercise

The lifeguard, a 20-year veteran of the division, died during an annual 500-meter swim recertification exercise

A Los Angeles County lifeguard died during an annual recertification swim exercise Thursday morning at a Manhattan Beach high school, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

The 42-year-old Ocean Lifeguard Specialist, identified by the lifeguard division as Brian Kutil, was participating in a 500-meter swim at about 7 a.m. The 20-year veteran of the division was treated by colleagues and members of the Manhattan Beach Fire Department before he died at a hospital, according the LA County Fire Department.

Details regarding a cause of death were not immediately available.

"All of us are shocked by this terrible early morning news," said LA County Fire Chief Daryl Osby. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends and his Fire Department family. Please keep everyone in your thoughts as we mourn his tragic loss."

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