Tragic Poolside Incident: 4-Year-Old Drowns Amid Lack Of Supervision

A Heartbreaking Incident at Deer Lake Athletic Club

A devastating tragedy struck at the Deer Lake Athletic Club in Independence Township, Southeast Michigan, when a 4-year-old girl drowned in the club's pool. The child, originally reported to be 5, was from Sterling Heights and was swimming with a group of children aged 6 to 12 at the time.

The Oakland County Sheriff's Office revealed that the children were left without adult supervision while the two women responsible for them went to the club's bar and restaurant. The women reportedly put several flotation devices in the pool, which was approximately 3 to 5 feet deep, and left the children unattended for about 35 minutes.

Emergency Response and Tragic Outcome

The unsupervised group faced a dire situation when the young girl was found by her older sister, lifeless in the water. When authorities arrived at around 7:30 p.m., they discovered two men and a woman administering CPR on the pool deck. Despite their efforts, the child was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

According to the club's pool policies, a lifeguard must be present for swimming activities, and children under 16 require adult supervision. Sheriff Michael Bouchard emphasized the importance of not only having adults present during swimming but ensuring one adult is specifically focused on monitoring the children.

“This is a horrific and tragic death that easily could have been avoided,” remarked Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard. “We always encourage that not only is there an adult present for any children swimming activity, but one adult is specifically tasked with watching and not just in the area.”

Future Legal Proceedings

The incident is under investigation, with the findings set to be reviewed by the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office. Authorities are looking into whether the lack of supervision constitutes negligence on the part of the adults involved.

This tragic event has sparked a broader conversation about safety protocols and the critical importance of vigilant supervision during children's activities, particularly around water.