Gator grabs 2 year old at Grand Floridian?

[EvilQueen1]

When people swim at a beach, is the beach responsible for putting up a sign that says every species of animal that may be in the ocean? People know if you go into natural water, other than a pool, there are natural animals that live in there. Including Sharks in the ocean, or Alligators in Florida.

 

[XXRAINMANX]

Pretty sure you don't need to know English to understand the below signage (which is the beauty of signs)

Actually this sign conveys nothing to those who don't already know what it means. If you've never seen a "no swimming sign" or the logo for no swimming you would be clueless, same goes for what that reptile under the no swimming sign is.

 

[Yellowstonetim]

Difficult to know what to do. People go to the beach specifically because it is a beach and the sand goes to the water. As soon as you plant vegetation, place rocks, or walls, it is no longer a beach. Very difficult to figure out the best thing to do. I'll bet that every sign about not swimming (Which are visible everywhere) will include pictures and words about gators.

 

[MamaBelle4]

Bet there's snapping turtles in there too that could take off a couple of toes and fingers. Better get them all removed too.

I'm pretty sure sarcasm is against the guidelines on this forum and is helping exactly no one.

I do not condone the mass euthanization of animals, especially when we encroach on their natural habitat. HOWEVER, an animal that has preyed on humans cannot be allowed to continue to reside with humans.
Since the authorities need to get answers for these parents, they are performing autopsies. It isn't an ideal situation at all on any level, but your sarcastic attitude lends nothing to the conversation.

 

[Shanti]

No - they can still cause damage but if they can not submerge they let go.

They can submerge a child in a life jacket. It is not hard to do.

 

[Delgado]

I'm sure Disney will do whatever they can to keep this out of court and will settle for a generous amount of money but none of it matters because no matter what the family lost their little boy in a horrific way.

A GENEROUS AMOUNT OF MONEY? im hoping this just came off the wrong way.

 

[Delgado]

There is really nothing anyone can do to help this family. Not Disney dishing out a ton of money or even taking full 100% blame for this. Short of someone finding their baby and bringing him back alive, no one can do anything to take their pain away, except for a higher power. That's not me, so I'll leave that to HIM, which is what my thoughts and prayers are for.

ABSOLUTELY!

 

[XXRAINMANX]

None of that matters. Disney didn't warn them of this potential hazard. They have an obligation to insure guest safety.

Disney doesn't have to hold their hands they are people who can think, Disney actively prevented the problem the best they could for 45 years without an incident. As I already said this situation has occurred 1 times in over a BILLION guests who have visited Disney since it opened. If that's to big of a risk for you then go live in your bubble and never come out because it won't be safe anywhere you do.

 

[dlavender]

Actually this sign conveys nothing to those who don't already know what it means. If you've never seen a "no swimming sign" or the logo for no swimming you would be clueless, same goes for what that reptile under the no swimming sign is.

Are you serious?

 

[poison ivy]

When people swim at a beach, is the beach responsible for putting up a sign that says every species of animal that may be in the ocean? People know if you go into natural water, other than a pool, there are natural animals that live in there. Including Sharks in the ocean, or Alligators in Florida.

Of course not. but a resort does have to warn guests of potential hazards and let's not forget - one of the worst things here is Disney hosted this event!!
meaning, they solicited their resort guests to attend. Company staff were in attendance. They did nothing to insure guest safety here.

 

[Shanti]

I agree that this is not Disney's "fault", but also agree that signage with alligator pics would help. If you're not from that part of the country, the danger is not obvious.

 

[poison ivy]

Disney doesn't have to hold their hands they are people who can think, Disney actively prevented the problem the best they could for 45 years without an incident. As I already said this situation has occurred 1 times in over a BILLION guests who have visited Disney since it opened. If that's to big of a risk for you then go live in your bubble and never come out because it won't be safe anywhere you do.

well they better have implemented a zero tolerance policy or we've got a problem. I disagree they did the best they could. they failed to warn this family. We'll never know if that could have saved a life.

 

[Delgado]

If they had signage like the two I have posted, then Disney did their part. They warned of alligators in the area. This is also assuming they have more than one. Enough signage where one would have the opportunity to read it before entering the area.

YOU ARE CORRECT-i cant figure out why there is a debate of should you swim in the water. This child wasnt swimming. And wading, okay I guess. Think of a two year olds leg, he was up to his ankle. We are talking about maybe an inch.

 

[Corsetopia]

When people swim at a beach, is the beach responsible for putting up a sign that says every species of animal that may be in the ocean? People know if you go into natural water, other than a pool, there are natural animals that live in there. Including Sharks in the ocean, or Alligators in Florida.

Uh, yeah, beaches do have signs like this along with signs about slippery rocks, large waves, strong currents - depending on which beach you're on. These warning signs can save lives, and no, not all people know these things..that's why there are signs.

 

[mshanson3121]

I thought I read a spokesman say that they were devastated. (and I forget what else). As for signage, I do think they need a sign about alligators. Though we wouldn't go near the water. (I think because I heard of gators and snakes) if something said no swimming I would think that would mean don't go swimming. Perhaps because of boats? (which is typical at boating places).

I wish people wouldn't bash the parents. (I haven't read all in here so don't know, but have heard it elsewhere). They will be tortured the rest of their lives with could have should have would have and if only. I can not imagine that personal hell. I can not imagine having my child, who was happily playing by my side being ripped away and I was powerless to stop it. To happen at Disney is just salt in the wounds. That poor family. I'm keeping them in my prayers.

Just now, nap time for my 2 year old little boy who will be arriving at the Grand Floridian 2 months from today, I rocked him and rocked him and kissed him and hugged him so grateful that I have him. Such a horrible tragedy.

Yeah. There was a comment from an Animal Refuge group that was mind blowing. I wont repeat the trash he said towards thd parents but let's sum it up this way: hell would be too good for him.
I can't imagine what goes through people's minds tearing the parents apart like that.

 

[Mac30188]

I'm pretty sure sarcasm is against the guidelines on this forum and is helping exactly no one.

I do not condone the mass euthanization of animals, especially when we encroach on their natural habitat. HOWEVER, an animal that has preyed on humans cannot be allowed to continue to reside with humans.
Since the authorities need to get answers for these parents, they are performing autopsies. It isn't an ideal situation at all on any level, but your sarcastic attitude lends nothing to the conversation.

I am not a lawyer, nor will I begin to try to assign blame for what has happened, however there are 2 absolute musts that Disney must accomplish for many reasons including liability.

1) They MUST find and remove the gator that attacked the child.
2) They MUST find the child.

Failure to deploy all available methods to accomplish these goals is negligent. The thought of either another violent encounter from the same animal, or another guest finding the child would be the worst possible future scenarios.

 

[mshanson3121]

Ghah, Awful. They used to allow swimming in the lake didn't they? I wonder if the gator controls have changed since then?

Gator population has increased exponentially since then.

 

[XXRAINMANX]

Are you serious?

Yes I'm serious.
1. If you've never seen a gator that picture means nothing.
2. If you can't read English the words don't help
3. If you don't know the "no swimming" warning sign then that doesn't help

4. We've already established on this thread that a "no swimming" sign exists that the guests either ignored or didn't believe qualified for them since they we're only walking by the water so again this signage conveys nothing for someone who doesn't already know.

 

[mcjaco]

I'm quoting you because you have legal knowledge and I have a legal question. I do apologize in advance if this is an ignorant question.

Is saying the words, "I'm sorry" or even just, "sorry", an admission of guilt? Typically when an entity makes a statement after a tragedy the statement is along the lines of "...our condolences go out to the family...", or "...we are heartbroken for their loss...", but I'm not sure if I've ever seen, specficically the word "sorry" in a statement.

Again, I just want to be clear for others reading this post that it is strictly a question with no other motive behind it. People tend to take a statement/inncoent question and run with it...

To answer, no. "Sorry" or any condolences given, are not an admission of guilt. It is a good question.

I'm pretty sure sarcasm is against the guidelines on this forum and is helping exactly no one.

There's been far less intelligent commentary in this discussion here, than this. I'm trying to put some of those comments into perspective. If a snapping turtle had bit off a childs toes, would we be expecting Disney to go after every snapping turtle on property? Would we want signage up warning guests of the dangers of snapping turtles?

 

[dlavender]

Yes I'm serious.
1. If you've never seen a gator that picture means nothing.
2. If you can't read English the words don't help
3. If you don't know the "no swimming" warning sign then that doesn't help

4. We've already established on this thread that a "no swimming" sign exists that the guests either ignored or didn't believe qualified for them since they we're only walking by the water so again this signage conveys nothing for someone who doesn't already know.

So looking at that sign, you would assume it meant something good?

I'll take the chance that there are 4 people in the entire world that would look at that sign and think it meant "free candy" so that the other 99.999999% of the world would get the gist and better understand the risks of getting close to the water.

Not sure why you would be against putting that sign up versus the other gentile "no swimming" sign.