Noida, Sep 3 - An 18-year-old engineering student of Amity University drowned in the college swimming pool Thursday, police said.

Justine John Xavier, a first year B. Tech student of Amity Institute of Space Science & Technology, had gone for his regular swimming session at about 8 a.m. in the college swimming pool. Within minutes, Justine was drowned, police said.

According to college authorities, swimming is allowed for the hostellers in two sessions - between 7-8 a.m. and 8-9 a.m. Justine used to come for swimming in the second slot.

'Justine belonged to Kerala and was an expert swimmer. He was not a beginner. He was 6 ft tall and the college pool was just 4 ft deep. It is very strange that a tall boy like him can drown in shallow waters of merely 4 ft,' institute Director V.P. Sandlas said.

'At the time he drowned, there were nine other students - all hostellers - swimming in the same pool. There were four life guards deployed at the pool for the students' safety. We are wondering how a good swimmer like him drowned in these circumstances almost instantly,' he said.