Swim America cancels classes after the near drowning of 3-year-old boy in Clovis

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A pre-school activity took a tragic turn on Thursday and little boy is in critical condition.

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UPDATE: 3-year-old dies after being pulled from the pool at Swim America

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It started out like any other day at Swim America in Clovis. Kids were in the water, learning how to swim in an indoor pool but something went wrong and a 3-year-old boy had to be rescued.

Rick Klatt, who is a co-owner said, "He was retrieved from the water by staff people and given CPR by staff people on site."

Klatt said officers showed up moments later, the boy was unresponsive and he was rushed to the hospital, "You just feel like you've been kicked in the stomach, it's just so terrible," he added.

Out of respect for the family, Klatt locked the doors and cancelled classes for the day. He talked with parents outside, letting them know what happened. Some of them had already heard through Facebook.

Jennifer Lacey said, "He's at the hospital, he has a heartbeat and everything but he's not conscious."

It's heartbreaking for her, especially, because she has a 27-month-old swimmer.

"It's real, how dangerous water can be," Lacey said, "even when you're learning to swim, you think you're doing good, accidents happen quickly."

Lacey's husband, Percy agrees. Still, he has plenty of confidence in the swim school and he has hope for the little boy.

Percy Lacey said, "It's tragic that it happened to a little kid and I hope he recovers well, but we'll still come and we'll be ok."

It isn't clear what exactly happened in the pool. Parents say the boy almost drowned but police haven't confirmed it. Meanwhile, he's in critical condition, fighting for his life.

The swim school says it will reopen, Friday at 8 in the morning.