A “tragic drowning” in a neighborhood pond this week is yet one more grim reminder for residents to brush up on water security precautions forward of the summer time, a Mass Normal doc tells the Herald.
A swimmer died in a Harvard pond late at evening earlier this week, in line with police who responded to a lacking swimmer report at Naked Hill Pond at round 12:28 a.m. on Thursday.
“The caller indicated that their friend, who had gone swimming, was no longer visible approximately 250 feet from the shoreline,” Harvard Police wrote, calling the incident a “tragic drowning.”
Quite a few cops, firefighters and EMS responded to the pond — deploying boats to assist in the search. First responders additionally launched a drone.
Divers discovered the lacking swimmer’s physique at round 2:09 a.m.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased during this incredibly difficult time,” police stated.
“We urge the public to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines when engaging in recreational activities in and around water bodies,” police added.
Within the wake of this drowning, the Herald spoke to a Mass Normal important care doctor and trauma professional, who famous the significance of individuals swimming in designated areas in entrance of lifeguards on the permitted instances.
A pair years in the past, a young person died after leaping off a excessive rock right into a Gloucester quarry and never coming again as much as the water’s floor.
“It’s important to stick to places that are meant for recreational swimming, with lifeguards at the designated times,” Mike Flaherty, a pediatric important care doctor within the pediatric intensive care unit at Mass Normal for Kids, informed the Herald.
“Unfortunately, this (recent drowning) happened in the middle of the night,” the doc added.
Drowning incidents are sometimes silent and quick, Flaherty famous as he confused the necessity for an grownup to at all times be watching children at a pool social gathering.
“You should have a designated watcher who’s within arm’s reach and is closely supervising the kids at all times,” he stated, including that somebody is usually a designated watcher for quarter-hour earlier than handing off to the subsequent grownup for quarter-hour and so forth.
It’s additionally by no means a foul concept to be taught primary CPR, Flaherty stated.
“Lifeguards do in fact save lives, and we’re always encouraging people to become certified,” he added.
The state’s Division of Conservation and Recreation remains to be recruiting lifeguards at seashores and swimming swimming pools. The state is providing a hourly price of $22 to $27 for pool and waterfront employees, relying on place and related certifications.
DCR has additionally stated it’s providing a bonus of $250 to candidates who submit an utility by Saturday, June 1. Additionally, the company is providing a $250 retention bonus for lifeguards who stay in good standing and work by Aug. 18 — the tip of the pool and inland seashore season, and a further $500 for many who work by Labor Day.
To be taught extra about lifeguarding alternatives, go to the company’s lifeguarding webpage at www.mass.gov/guides/dcr-lifeguarding.
