In Pueblo, Colorado, on a hot August day two sisters, ages three and six, and their 17-year-old baby sitter drowned at a mobile home park swimming pool that had no lifeguard. We will never know exactly why this tragedy happened. There were other children in the pool at the time the sitter and her two young charges jumped into the deep end of the pool. A short time later a child was seen floating and others called for help. Attempts … Continue reading →
In Westfield, Massachusetts, a young man drowned while trying to save his 14-year-old sister who is unable to swim and was struggling in the water. According to police captain Michael McCabe, Roberto Martinez “was trying to be heroic” when he jumped in to save his sibling. While Roberto drowned, the girl managed to survive. You’d be amazed at how often we encounter stories like this. A child who can’t swim gets into trouble in the water, and someone else with … Continue reading →
In New Orleans, Louisiana, a swimming pool that had been abandoned in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina claimed the life of a 7-year-old boy. The top of the pool was covered in bright green algae, & Christopher Jacobs apparently did not realize it was water as he chased after a soccer ball. The boy was in the water for about 15 minutes before firefighters could pull him out. May 19, 2008
Continue reading →In New Mexico over the weekend a flash flood inundated the campsite where a group of boy scouts were camping, sweeping 4 of them away in the floodwater. One boy was unaccounted for and later confirmed to have died. The boys were on a 12 day trek thought North Pomil Canyon, part of the 214 square mile Philmont Scout Ranch, frequented by troops all across the country. According to state police spokesman Chad Pierce, the flash flood occurred at around … Continue reading →
In Brecksville, Ohio, 3 teenagers had to be rescued after being swept away by strong currents in the flooded waters of Chippewa Creek Gorge. The 3 teens, two girls and a boy, had wondered into a no-swimming zone when they were swept away. All were able to climb onto longs about 100 feet downstream before rescueres could get to them. These teens were lucky, but your kids might not be. Be sure to teach them about water safety.
Continue reading →In Pineville, Missouri, a 12-year-old boy from Kansas died in a canoeing accident on the Elk River according to the highway patrol. Michael Cox was apparently paddeling in swift current when his canoe was launched into a log, capsizing it.
Continue reading →9-2-07 A 5-year-old boy vanished from his parents sight while on a family outing to Bear Creek Lake State Park in Lakewood, Colorado. They were at the Big Soda Lake swimming beach, which has no lifeguards and relies on the self-monitoring of swimmers. I’ve taken kids to this particular swim beach many times myself. It’s a relatively small area, perhaps 200 feet long and stretching 10-15 yards out into the water. It seems like a perfectly tame area for kids … Continue reading →