4 year old dies at wave pool

[yeartolate]

Great America Wave Pool

First of all, my heart goes out to the family. It is a tragic loss.

But I have to say, I just heard on the news that there are rumblings about a lawsuit. (The child is being buried today, by the way}


But am I just being overprotective? WHy in the heck would you let a child that age in the wave pool without a lifejacket ? At that park, the life jackets ARE EVERYWHERE. Readily available. I am also curious to know were the mom was.

Frankly I feel kind of bad for the lifeguards who are now being scrutinized - and probably are distraught over what happened.

I chalked it up to a tradgedy until I heard about a lawsuit looming.

Great America has been allowed to reopen the pool - but now require the life jackets in the wave pool and other attractions.

Any thoughts?

 

[rkwells]

Wow, how sad! I always wonder how things like this happen...at our local wave pool there are multiple life guards constantly scanning the pool. They really do a great job. Also, life vests are provided at no cost to anyone who needs one. My kids are now 10 and 13 and I still keep an eye on them in the wave pool....I feel angry that someone was not right there with a 4 year old the whole time!

 

[eh24fan]

My question is, where were the parents? How does a 4 year old drown if the parents are right there with them? I feel that the parent was negligent to be honest. I feel bad for them, how awful to lose a child? But this was something totally preventable.

 

[mickeyboat]

It is such a tragedy. It really only takes an instant for something like this to happen.

I was watching my kids in the pool like a hawk yesterday, they were the only two kids in the pool, but at one point I could not find my daughter, who was hanging out near the rolled up pool cover. It took me a second to spot her, I have no idea really of how long she had been there, but it was probably enough time for something to have happened - and I was about six feet away from her.

The last wave pool I went to had life jackets, and also "floats" or rafts you could take out into the pool. I think those floats would make it hard to spot someone who had gone under. I wonder if this pool had them.

Denae

 

[Cool-Beans]

Great America Wave Pool

First of all, my heart goes out to the family. It is a tragic loss.

But I have to say, I just heard on the news that there are rumblings about a lawsuit. (The child is being buried today, by the way}


But am I just being overprotective? WHy in the heck would you let a child that age in the wave pool without a lifejacket ? At that park, the life jackets ARE EVERYWHERE. Readily available. I am also curious to know were the mom was.

Frankly I feel kind of bad for the lifeguards who are now being scrutinized - and probably are distraught over what happened.

I chalked it up to a tradgedy until I heard about a lawsuit looming.

Great America has been allowed to reopen the pool - but now require the life jackets in the wave pool and other attractions.

Any thoughts?

The lifeguards ought to be scrutinized. Their job is to make sure little kids don't die and a little kid died.

I would not have allowed a kid in there if I wasn't watching. But I know that - like with all jobs - some lifeguards suck. In no way would I trust my kid's life to them.

But, some people trust the lifeguards. And it is their flippin job. I've often thought there should be cameras at these pools and the film should be reviewed when something like this happens. If the lifeguard who was assigned to that part of the pool was talking or adjusting their suit or putting on sunscreen or zoning out, they should be put in jail.

It is entirely possible that this woman had to change her other child's diaper or something and figured she could trust the lifeguards for a few minutes. I've seen LOTS of people - good parents - do that. Happens at Disney all the time. Hell, I fished a drowning kid out of a pool at CSR.

I never made my kids wear lifejackets in the pool because it isn't fun and you can't swim with those things on. But, I watched them.

My heart breaks for that mother. Not only has she lost her child and has to live through that, but now people will be blaming her for it.

 

[minniecarousel]

The mother keeps saying that there were only 4 lifeguards at the wave pool. GA maintains that there were 6. I don't care if there were 20 - no way would I let go of the hand of a 4 year-old at a wave pool. I have only ever been to one wavepool & that was at Blizzard Beach (or was it Typhoon Lagoon?). I was in an innertube. I felt out of control in those waves. I can't imagine a 4 year-old trying to navigate that kind of water.

I, too, feel for that mother, but she is trying to place the blame on anyone but herself. Honestly, the local media is being very gentle with her. I suppose some call-in radio shows might be criticizing her, but the regular newscats and the newpapers are not blaming her.

 

[Camicar]

I'm not going to assign blame to anyone since I was neither a witness nor have seen footage of the event.

That said, some wave pools have extremely strong waves. If you have not been in a wave pool before or the ones you've been in are more gentle, you may not know how strong and therefore dangerous the wave can be. The first time we went in a wave pool our dd was 7 or 8. The wave came at us and all three of us -- my dh included -- were knocked off our feet and flung into the side wall. We all had bruises the next day. I actually complained to the lifeguard that there should be warnings about the strength of the wave and he shrugged me off, "It's a wave pool. What did you expect?"

Well, given that there were no warnings about it for first time users, I think I was within reasonable rights to think that the wave would not be strong enough to fling a 165# man off his feet and into a wall.

I should add that I've been in many wave pools since and NONE were anything like the first one we visited, so even with more experience, we would not have been expecting the force of the wave at this particular water park.

Given that experience, I can imagine parents not expecting the strength ofa certain wave, that a smaller child might get knocked out or dragged under and if the parents were also flung around and disoriented the way we were and/or there were additional children to locate, that tragedy could ensue. I'm not saying that's what happened, but given our experience, I could see this scenario happening.

 

[LaraK]

The lifeguards ought to be scrutinized. Their job is to make sure little kids don't die and a little kid died.

I would not have allowed a kid in there if I wasn't watching. But I know that - like with all jobs - some lifeguards suck. In no way would I trust my kid's life to them.

But, some people trust the lifeguards. And it is their flippin job. I've often thought there should be cameras at these pools and the film should be reviewed when something like this happens. If the lifeguard who was assigned to that part of the pool was talking or adjusting their suit or putting on sunscreen or zoning out, they should be put in jail.

It is entirely possible that this woman had to change her other child's diaper or something and figured she could trust the lifeguards for a few minutes. I've seen LOTS of people - good parents - do that. Happens at Disney all the time. Hell, I fished a drowning kid out of a pool at CSR.

I never made my kids wear lifejackets in the pool because it isn't fun and you can't swim with those things on. But, I watched them.

My heart breaks for that mother. Not only has she lost her child and has to live through that, but now people will be blaming her for it.

Yup, they sure will. Wave pools are extremely dangerous and no one in their right mind should let a four year old (even if they're a "very good swimmer") go into one without one on one supervision.

I've walked a pool looking for a dead child....not a very good memory. Turns out the kid went to the store next door to get a soda. The bottom of the pool was so murky from the washed off sunscreen that you could not see it. We, therefore, had to create a human chain and walk across the bottom sweeping our feet to try to find the body. The pool manager then closed the pool to let the water have a chance to get cleaned....people were screaming obsenities at him for doing so. Nice, huh?

Lifeguards do their best, but you can not abdicate your responsibility as a parent. Suing the pool is blaming someone else for not taking responsibility for your own obligations. A common theme in this country.

 

[arielsleepingbeauty]

My daughter's are 5 and 7. They are good swimmers, but I make them wear life vests when we go to water parks and even when we stayed at POR. I am with them, but because there are so many people, they could get aways from me. You never know what could happen. Safety is always first. My oldest kept asking to take it off and I told her no way. She is small for her age and there is no way i am taking any chances. especially in the wave pool. That makes me nervous. I make sure that i am holding onto one of my kids while my mom or DH has another. Why take a chance???
This is a sad tragedy. Maybe they feel that since they can't get back their child they will at least get something out of it.

 

[Minnie824]

My opinion....a 4 yr old shouldn't be alone ANYWHERE at a water park, let alone in a huge wave pool. The parent(s) should have kept an eye on their child. Of course this is a tragic accident, and I feel sorry for the family. I wouldn't let my kids go in a kiddie pool alone at a huge place like that though, I mean, you just never know.

 

[polyfan]

Lifeguards or not, with the number of people in there at any given time as a parent why would you think they could watch your child as well as you. It is the parents responsibility to watch their child. At 4 I would never have left mine in there( not saying this parent did- I have no idea)to assume lifeguards would see them every second. At 8 and 11 I still watch mine even with lifeguards on duty.

 

[SplshMtn99]

So sad.

There was a 4 yr old that drowned just a couple of days ago a few towns away in a small lake at a town run recreation program. It was his first day attending - but not the first day of the program. The newspaper states these facts.

Minimum age to be in town rec program is 5 yrs old. The boy would have turned 5 in Oct.

All children were at the pavilion with several staff & lifeguards since it was not "free swim" time yet. Neighbors saw the boy out on the dock alone while others were at the pavilion.

For children ages 5 - 10(I think), a parent is required to attend the rec program with the child. However, it states that a police car was sent to the parents house to get the parents when they realized he was missing - feared drowned.

The boy was found in 3 feet of water near the end of the dock where it extends pass the roped off swimming area. Sounds like town & rec program broke several of their rules there. I think someone may have a valid lawsuit.

Just terrible waste of life when preventable if you just follow the rules. DH & I are guessing maybe he had street clothes on, kneeling down on the dock to see something in the water & fell in not making a loud splash. But what about those neighbors that had witnessed so much before, but not him falling in. Just sad. If I saw a 4 yr old alone on a dock, I think I would have told someone when it should have been obvious he probably should have been with the others.

 

[Cool-Beans]

Yup, they sure will. Wave pools are extremely dangerous and no one in their right mind should let a four year old (even if they're a "very good swimmer") go into one without one on one supervision.

I've walked a pool looking for a dead child....not a very good memory. Turns out the kid went to the store next door to get a soda. The bottom of the pool was so murky from the washed off sunscreen that you could not see it. We, therefore, had to create a human chain and walk across the bottom sweeping our feet to try to find the body. The pool manager then closed the pool to let the water have a chance to get cleaned....people were screaming obsenities at him for doing so. Nice, huh?

Lifeguards do their best, but you can not abdicate your responsibility as a parent. Suing the pool is blaming someone else for not taking responsibility for your own obligations. A common theme in this country.

Shouldn't the pool take some responsibility?

If the lifeguards aren't going to ensure that lives are guarded, then why the hell are they there? To get cool tans? IMO, they aren't there to "do their best", but if someone dies...oh, well....parents should have been watching. IMO, that is shirking responsibility. Doing your best, but not getting your job done, just doesn't cut it. Especially where lives are concerned.

If it was swim-at-your-own-risk, I'd agree that accidents happen. But when you pay for the ticket, part of that cost is paying for the lifeguards.

If someone dies on your watch, you should go to prison. If there weren't enough lifeguards, management should go to prison.

That's my opinion, anyway.

 

[Robinrs]

The lifeguards ought to be scrutinized. Their job is to make sure little kids don't die and a little kid died.

I would not have allowed a kid in there if I wasn't watching. But I know that - like with all jobs - some lifeguards suck. In no way would I trust my kid's life to them.

But, some people trust the lifeguards. And it is their flippin job. I've often thought there should be cameras at these pools and the film should be reviewed when something like this happens. If the lifeguard who was assigned to that part of the pool was talking or adjusting their suit or putting on sunscreen or zoning out, they should be put in jail.

It is entirely possible that this woman had to change her other child's diaper or something and figured she could trust the lifeguards for a few minutes. I've seen LOTS of people - good parents - do that. Happens at Disney all the time. Hell, I fished a drowning kid out of a pool at CSR.

I never made my kids wear lifejackets in the pool because it isn't fun and you can't swim with those things on. But, I watched them.

My heart breaks for that mother. Not only has she lost her child and has to live through that, but now people will be blaming her for it.

It is a PARENT'S job to protect their child. The idea of giving some temporary worker the responsibility for my child's life is ridiculous.

Children run, fall and cavort in water. It is DANGEROUS, fun but dangerous. If you are the parent of a toddler it is your responsibility to watch him.

My child wore the life jackets until he was 12. They are like seatbelts and condoms... heck, who cares if they're not comfortable, they can save your life! You turn your back then you're the one who has to live with the horror, the lifeguard will go on.

No parent should bury a child.. I have and I don't wish it on my worst enemy. It's why I'm so vigilant, I know the pain TOO well. They are only within your grasp for a few years, take the responsibility to make sure they're safe.

Sorry, this kind of stuff gets to me...

 

[Bob Slydell]

The lifeguards ought to be scrutinized. Their job is to make sure little kids don't die and a little kid died.

I would not have allowed a kid in there if I wasn't watching. But I know that - like with all jobs - some lifeguards suck. In no way would I trust my kid's life to them.

But, some people trust the lifeguards. And it is their flippin job.

Yes, some lifeguards suck, but most are very good at their job. Wave pools, second to lifeguarding the ocean, are one of the hardest jobs for a lifeguard due to the sheer size of the pools and the amount of people that cram into them. It's even worse when the waves get rolling, because everyone swims up to the deep section to body surf and stuff like that, thus causing even more congestion.

Even the best of lifeguards are human and do not save 100% of the people who go under. I find it ironic that you're lamenting people blaming the parents, yet you have no problem assuming that the lifeguards were slacking on the job.

 

[Youarehere]

I feel really bad for the parents. We don't know what happened, so I won't judge them. I was in a wave pool yesterday with my neice who is 8 and only weighs 56 pounds. She is a good swimmer for her age, but very few children that age could be called "strong swimmers". We were in a weak wave pool- Lake Compounce in Ct if anyone is familiar. It only gets 4 feet deep, but I never got more than three feet away from her. If I glanced away to look at a lifeguard, because they were constantly blowing their whistles, she would disappear. First thing- scan the bottom of the pool, then I would look up to locate her. I guess what I am saying is that if I was with a four year old, I would not even let go of her. It was too easy to loose an 8 year old good swimmer. I think too many parents figure if their child is in lessons, then they are a "strong swimmer" and do not realize how dangerous a wave pool can be or how quickly a person can get tired trying to tread water, fight the waves and work their way through swarming bodies while getting kicked and shoved around. They are dangerous and should have an age limit. Perhaps these parks should put in mini wave pools for the younger crowd.

 

[YourMajesty]

Lifeguards or not, with the number of people in there at any given time as a parent why would you think they could watch your child as well as you. It is the parents responsibility to watch their child. At 4 I would never have left mine in there( not saying this parent did- I have no idea)to assume lifeguards would see them every second. At 8 and 11 I still watch mine even with lifeguards on duty.

I agree at the age of four I wouldn't trust anyone to keep an eye on them. Like one poster pointed out it only takes a second. As for taking your eye off them in a wave pool to change a diaper or anything else that's a gamble I wouldn't take. We don't let 4 year olds cross a busy street alone hoping that the drivers will see them (they are supposed to watch the road). I guess at this point they are not saying if the child was alone in the pool. Very sad.

 

[meandtheguys2]

A lifeguard cannot give individual attention to every person in a pool. They have to scan constantly. No 4 year old should have been left unsupervised in one of those pools. If the parent left the child unattended, they are soley to blame, IMO. I would absolutely feel this way were it me and my child, for the record.

eta: I realize this post sounds harsh, and I do feel horribly sorry for the family. They (possibly) screwed up to the point of causing their child's death. That would be the worst thing I could possibly imagine happening in my family.

 

[Cool-Beans]

Yes, some lifeguards suck, but most are very good at their job. Wave pools, second to lifeguarding the ocean, are one of the hardest jobs for a lifeguard due to the sheer size of the pools and the amount of people that cram into them. It's even worse when the waves get rolling, because everyone swims up to the deep section to body surf and stuff like that, thus causing even more congestion.

Even the best of lifeguards are human and do not save 100% of the people who go under. I find it ironic that you're lamenting people blaming the parents, yet you have no problem assuming that the lifeguards were slacking on the job.

I'm assuming the lifeguards were slacking because someone died. The life wasn't guarded. If the lifeguards can't make sure people don't die, then get rid of them and drop the cost of the tickets.

I agree that people ought to watch their kids, but stuff happens - things come up. That's why these places have lifeguards, right?

I don't think it is a big stretch to figure that someone was thinking she could trust the lifeguards and that's why she took her eyes off the kid for a bit. And I think the pool encouraged that by having lifeguards in the first place. She might have been a naive parent, but I don't think she is necessarily a bad one who deserves, after losing her child, to have people saying, "Well, it's your fault. It wouldn't have happened to my kids - I'm a better parent. You let your kid DIE!" She's flippin suffering enough, blaming herself enough...she doesn't need that.

Plus, if blame has to be assigned, the pool is as at fault as the mother. Both dropped the ball. And the pool charged her for providing people to see that her kids lives were guarded, but they didn't follow through with performing the task.

...I just really hate it when a parent loses a child and people are so fast to jump all over them, adding insult to injury. What is the point?

 

[MelCald]

So sad.

There was a 4 yr old that drowned just a couple of days ago a few towns away in a small lake at a town run recreation program. It was his first day attending - but not the first day of the program. The newspaper states these facts.

This happened in my town. My DS6 goes has been in class, preschool and K with the little boy's older brother. It it heartbreaking. I don't know any of the facts..especially as to why a 4yo was at the program. I have seen this rec progam in action, while I think it would be a lot of fun for an older child, I would never send an young child there. It seems pretty chaotic with 40 or so kids and a bunch of highschoolers supervising.