New Fairfield - Pediatric Drowning - 08/31/09

[SageVigiles 1,194]

Date: 8-31-09

Time: Approx 1700 Hours

Location: Squantz Pond State Park, Shortwoods Rd. New Fairfield, CT

Frequency: 155.6775 (FD), 155.010 (NFPD),

Units Operating: New Fairfield Fire/EMS (numerous units), CT State Police, CT DEP Park Ranger, CT DEP Environmental Conservation Police

Weather Conditions: Fair

Description Of Incident: Drowning of 9 year old boy in Squantz Pond.

Reporters:

Writer: SageVigiles

This is the first drowning in 2 years at Squantz, the new Park Ranger and the State have made significant safety changes. Unfortunately no lifeguards were working as personnel used are all back at school. The DEP workers put up signs saying "No lifeguard on duty," but these people decided to let their child swim anyway, unsupervised. The parents didn't notice their child was in the water until it was too late.

Personally, I hope that the CT DEP Police, CSP or Department of Children and Families take a serious look at charging the parents with Risk of Injury or something, what rational parent would let their 9 year old swim unsupervised with no lifeguards present?