An 8-year-old girl is fighting for her life in intensive care after allegedly being thrown into a pool by her swimming coach despite crying in fear of the water, several media outlets reported.

Police launched an investigation after the incident during a swimming lesson on Friday at Haipai Gymnasium in Chongqing, Sichuan province.

The coach has been suspended who it is claimed, threw the girl into water despite her reluctance and allegedly left her struggling in the water, according to several eyewitness accounts on Sina Weibo

Witness said the girl, only identified as Moumou, floundered in the water for several minutes before lifeguards at the gym rescued her.

Eyewitnesses said lifeguards began cardiac resuscitation on the girl's body which had turned blue.

An intensive care doctor surnamed Hu, said she the girl has no spontaneous breathing and is being kept alive by a ventilator. He says her heart is so weak that vasoactive drugs are being used to support heart function. He also warned the girl has suffered severe brain damage, and would not survive if the medical equipment is removed.

The gym is now still open.