Parents blaming others

[jimmykitefan]

I know this isn't going to be popular but I'm sick of parents blaming others when something happens to their children because they were not watching them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's the zoo's fault because the kid climbed a barrier and fell in. It's Disney's fault because they have wild alligators in their waterways!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GET OFF YOUR i-PADS, PHONES AND ETC AND WATCH YOUR CHILDREN!!!

 

[Eastern]

The parents were supposedly right next to the kids. I don't think they expected an alliagtor to jump out of the water and snatch their child.

I think Disney needs to educate visitors about the alligator risk. I consider myself educated now; I wasn't before.

 

[Aliceacc]

The father jumped in and tried to pry his child away from the gator. It certainly doesn't sound as though he was on his Ipad.

But I think it's easier to blame the parents... kind of whistling past the graveyard. "It can't happen to me because I'm a GOOD parent. And it never happened to my kids because we were GOOD parents.We survived childhood because we had GOOD parents."

It's a lot scarier to realize that sometimes, no matter how good a parent you are, bad things can or could happen to your child. Yes, even if you are paying attention.

It's not about the parent's fault or the zoo's fault or Disney's fault. Some things simply happen, there's no one to blame.

 

[Eastern]

It's not about the parent's fault or the zoo's fault or Disney's fault. Some things simply happen, there's no one to blame.

Tell that to the lawyers. Disney does not mention the possibility of alligators being in the lagoon.

 

[mom2rtk]

I see plenty of instances where parents are checked out ignoring their kids. I don't think this was one of them.

 

[atp]

We don't really know what happened, there's not enough information out to make a judgement like that.

So far, with the information that has been released, it does not look like the parents weren't paying attention at all as like PP mentioned, the father tried to pry the child away from the alligator. He would have to be very close to the child to get there in time to do that.

This is such a heartbreaking situation and I agree that it could happen to anyone. It's the type of thing that happens in a split second. I can't even imagine how the parents feel now, and the guilt that they must be feeling.

And even though I know there are alligators in Florida, and I have never even touched Florida water, ever, I have walked close to the water at least once (in many places where it is allowed to do so) and up until now, never considered that an alligator could just appear out of nowhere and attack someone. That was not something that was on my mind at all and I see now that it is a very real possibility. Even if you don't see anything in the water, there could be something lurking there.

Also, even though there are warnings near the "beaches", I always thought it was due to the water not being clean enough for swimming, not alligators. If alligators are a real possibility in those beaches, then there should be a clear sign about that very thing. Either this is not common or Disney needs to be more clear with their warnings when it's something as serious as this. I agree that it is a warning and I'll be extra vigilant if I ever visit Florida again.

It's such a sad situation and I'm hoping for a miracle even though it is unlikely. I'm also hoping Disney is truly supporting the parents and not just giving them a quick apology and some "compensation" and then ignoring the incident completely as they seem to do sometimes.

 

[TWK]

The father jumped in and tried to pry his child away from the gator. It certainly doesn't sound as though he was on his Ipad.

But I think it's easier to blame the parents... kind of whistling past the graveyard. "It can't happen to me because I'm a GOOD parent. And it never happened to my kids because we were GOOD parents.We survived childhood because we had GOOD parents."

It's a lot scarier to realize that sometimes, no matter how good a parent you are, bad things can or could happen to your child. Yes, even if you are paying attention.

It's not about the parent's fault or the zoo's fault or Disney's fault. Some things simply happen, there's no one to blame.

This, exactly...

 

[mom2rtk]

According to the CNN story, witnesses say the child was "wading" in the water.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/15/us/alligator-attacks-child-disney-florida/

 

[swfmco]

I see plenty of instances where parents are checked out ignoring their kids. I don't think this was one of them.

Yeah, this was more not knowing the environment they were entering.

 

[swfmco]

Tell that to the lawyers. Disney does not mention the possibility of alligators being in the lagoon.

But the do have posted signs prohibiting people from swimming in the lake. Doesn't stop a lawyer from suing though.

 

[Eastern]

But the do have posted signs prohibiting people from swimming in the lake. Doesn't stop a lawyer from suing though.

You make it sound like the family was out there swimming around. The family was on the beach, a very popular nighttime relaxation spot, and the two year old had his feet in the water. If they had known about the possibilty of an alligator jumping out and taking their child, I'm sure they would have behaved differently. They were from Nebraska, visiting the Happiest Place on Earth. This wasn't even on their radar.

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

My thoughts and prayers for the family. What a horrible thing to happen. The boy should not have been at the waters edge and there are signs posted to not swim in the lagoons. Yes, this is Florida. We have Gators (and snakes) in just about every body of water here. There is one in a pond around the corner from my house. EVERYONE visiting Fl should be made aware of our wildlife here before going on vacation. Add it to your checklist.

 

[Klayfish]

Unless we actually witnessed it happen, we can't pass judgment on the kid or the parents, because we don't know all the facts at the moment. Could the parents have been doing something...or more accurately letting their kid do something...that they shouldn't have been? Maybe. But I don't know I'd condemn them as the worst parents ever. I'd be lying, and I think most of you would too, if I said I NEVER let any of my 3 kids do something I know they weren't "supposed" to be doing. Not at all saying I make a habit out of letting them stick their finger in a 220V socket, but c'mon.

Nor am I pointing a finger at Disney. It's Florida. There are gators there, as has been said before, Disney is not in a bubble. Heck, there are wild animals walking all over the Jungle Safari ride and everywhere in AK. Is it possible, however unlikely, that one of those animals could go after the car you're riding in.

Yes, plaintiff lawyers will be all over this. I work in auto insurance claims, so I'll refrain from further comments on plaintiff attorneys.

 

[mom2rtk]

You make it sound like the family was out there swimming around. The family was on the beach, a very popular nighttime relaxation spot, and the two year old had his feet in the water. If they had known about the possibilty of an alligator jumping out and taking their child, I'm sure they would have behaved differently. They were from Nebraska, visiting the Happiest Place on Earth. This wasn't even on their radar.

I've seen it described as them splashing their feet in the water. I've seen it described as them wading in the water. We really don't know the full details yet.

 

[Aliceacc]

Tell that to the lawyers. Disney does not mention the possibility of alligators being in the lagoon.

They also don't mention the possibility of being struck by lightening, even though there are frequent summer thunderstorms in Disney World. Or the possibility of slipping in the shower, even though every one of their resorts has showers that can get slippery.

I'm not arguing about whether or not the blame game will be played out in court. I'm simply saying that sometimes, no matter how vigilant the parent or the location, bad things still happen to good people.

 

[Matty_Disfan]

If they get sued Disney would face a tough case. A completely hypothetical deposition:

- Pl. Counsel: So you have had alligators in seven seas lagoon before?
- Disney Manager: yes.
-PC : and you have a policy to eliminate or remove 'problem alligators'?
-DM: Yes, we have never had an attack before.
-PC: does an alligator have to display aggressive behaviors before it attacks?
-DM: I am not sure, I'm not an expert.
- PC: But you would agree with me that alligators can attack humans?
-DM : yes
- PC: and you knew that there were alligators on seven seas lagoon, or that they could access Seven Seas Lagoon.
- DM: yes
-PC: so why are there no warning signs to let guests know about the danger?
-DM: we have no swimming signs.
-PC: why not 'no wading or approaching the water' signs?
-DM: I am not sure.
-PC: why have you designed this area to look like a beach?
-DM: because it is part of the aesthetic of the resort.
-PC: and the sand continues into the water, correct?
-DM: yes.
-PC: so it would natural for some guests to wade into the water, it would be attractive to them to do so?
-DM: I can't say that.
-PC: Have you considered putting up alligator-proof nets to guard areas where guests could wade into the water?


etc etc.

I am sure that a good attorney would present a more compelling line of questioning but this would likely be the bent of it.

Not sure what liability laws are in place for wildlife in Florida, but they are not in the best position under normal circumstances.

 

[Delirium]

Is it just me, or is the original post highly inappropriate considering the circumstances. Throw in the fact that it is highly unlikely that the OP was on that beach when this happened, and the entire premise of the thread is appalling.

 

[Eastern]

I've seen it described as them splashing their feet in the water. I've seen it described as them wading in the water. We really don't know the full details yet.

Either way, I don't think they, or anyone else, was made properly aware of the danger of alligatgors. Not just a 'no swimming' sign. Why wouldn't Disney do this? It takes a child being eaten alive for them to put up more graphic warnings?

 

[Eastern]

They also don't mention the possibility of being struck by lightening, even though there are frequent summer thunderstorms in Disney World. Or the possibility of slipping in the shower, even though every one of their resorts has showers that can get slippery.

I'm not arguing about whether or not the blame game will be played out in court. I'm simply saying that sometimes, no matter how vigilant the parent or the location, bad things still happen to good people.

But people know about thunderstorms, and they have experience with showers. How many visitors realize the danger of alligators?

I think Disney should have signs warning people about the close proximity of alligators. I'm from NJ and I did not know how serious it was. They were from Nebraska.

Do you think they would have behaved differently if the signs had posted a warning about alligators in the lake?

 

[Boski]

So then every lake in Florida should have a sign warning about alligators? What about snakes? Or mosquitoes?