You know if you look at the Facebook page what jumped out at me was these parents did seem to practice water safety. He has on a life preserver when on a dock, on s boat etc.
To me that indicates they were probably people who do the right thing and something happened. Who knows what? Nor does it matter.
It does serve to remind us of the importance of water safety.
This was my thought exactly. They appeared to always be cautious around water and this is just a tragic accident. I have a 4 year old and even thought I tell her to so certain things, I know she doesn't always listen and I look back in hindsight. For instance, they are never allowed to ride bikes in the street in front of our house unless a parent is outside with them. I had to go inside to the bathroom and told my son and daughter they could ride in the driveway while I was inside but not the street. I came out and my daughter was across the street on her bike. Had she gotten hurt I would have felt awful and people would wonder why a 4 year old was riding alone in the street. I learned a lesson that day even though there was no accident.
The excitement and rush of activity on embarkation day is crazy. I've only been on the smaller ships so I can only imagine being on a larger ship. I could picture our family sitting by the pool at a table having lunch in our suits (which we do on every cruise) and I get my kids situated with their lunch and may go grab a napkin or something nearby (while they are still in sight). Our kids don't go in the cruise ship pools (or any pool) without us, and since we have a pool, it isn't a huge attraction for them on a cruise. If it were I could see a child deciding to take that opportunity to maybe explore the water (perhaps siblings were swimming) and if unable to swim unassisted, quickly being overtaken by the crowds, water, etc.
Accidents are accidents. There isn't always someone to blame. I can't imagine how this family feels that their whole lives changed in the blink of an eye, while on a vacation of a lifetime. We have felt that exhilaration and anticipation of a cruise many times, and then their worst nightmare happens. I pray not only for Chase, but his parents, family and friends. One can only guess the feelings they are experiencing "what if we had stayed home, what if we ---fill in the blank". They will have that forever, and I pray that a miracle happens and their son regains something.
We as parents, and as humans should not be saying anything other than feeling sad for this family. Accidents can happen in any family, no matter how vigilant and careful you are. My husband is a paramedic/firefighter and when we first got our pool, he had both kids sitting on the step (DS was 4, DD 2). Hey hasn't had lessons yet. He told them to stay put, turned around and took three steps to grab a towel, and when he turned around, DD was under the water. No splash, no cries for help, DS didn't really see it. He quickly lifted her out, flipped her upside down, and water came out. Scared him to death. Enough that if we ever got out of the pool, we would take them out and shut the pool fence gate, even if we were just getting a towel. But it could have been a tragic accident and he is as vigilant as anyone because do what he has seen. He was within an arms reach and our pool is quite small, there was no noise, no music, etc. she just decided she was going to take a look!
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Chase and his loved ones need our prayers and positive thoughts, more than ever. They have a long, difficult road ahead.
