>Readers sound out on 2008 drowning at Graydon Pool

>Readers sound out on 2008 drowning at Graydon Pool 


Lifeguards train for this type of incident. The victim’s sister was aware that her brother needed help, yet the lifeguards did not see her or the boy. And the first lifeguard who was notified radioed to a senior staff member to find out what to do. The girl was frantic yet they did not seem to know how to proceed.


When a kid goes missing while swimming lifeguards should react quickly. When my kids were young we went to Graydon a few times a week. Many times the lifeguards blew whistles and emptied the pool in search of missing children. The child was usually on the playground or in the bathroom. These children were not lost in the pool but they took the precaution anyway.


I think the judge was absolutely wrong in this case. The family absolutely has some responsibility to watch their own child. Especially in a case where the child is a visitor, speaks little english and isn’t a good swimmer(as has been previously reported). They have to take some responsibility. We all have to watch our children. It’s our job.


Nothing can replace this mother’s loss. As someone who lost a sibling early on, my mother never recovered from that. That being said, this was a child that never should have been swimming in the deep end of the pool. The friends did not report this boy going under until it was way past anyone helping him. They never screamed or yelled out. The mother when told did not yell out either. They walked all the way around the pool to the pool managers office. The village has offered a substantial payment to the family but this is not enough. Nothing will every be enough.


The lifeguards are certified and they do practice drills. Sometimes they even run around the pool. So why do all these drills if they are not going to react in an emergency?When selling guest passes, does the staff explain any rules to the guests? The need for a deep water test should be rule #1.