An investigation continues after a 4-year-old Sterling Heights girl drowned at the Deer Lake Athletic Club in Oakland County last Friday. ClickOnDetroit reports that the Oakland County Sheriff's Office arrived at the scene around 7:30 p.m. to find that CPR was already being administered to the child on the pool deck. Despite the efforts of deputies and paramedics, the girl was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The Sheriff's Office stated that six children, ranging in ages from 4 to 12, were found swimming without adult supervision. Having placed several flotation devices into the pool, the two women who accompanied the children allegedly left them to go to the club's bar and restaurant area, remaining there approximately 35 minutes, said officials obtained by FOX 2 Detroit. The club's signs clearly indicate that no lifeguard is on duty, and children under 16 require adult supervision.
Following the incident, Steve Dolnut, a former Detroit police assistant chief, was quoted by FOX 2 Detroit condemning the actions of the parents, saying, "I don't care how many kids you have, to leave kids unattended in a pool, granted, the oldest one is 12, and to throw a noodle in there, but not a life jacket or have someone observing, that's child neglect at the bare minimum." Sheriff Mike Bouchard echoed this sentiment, labeling the death as tragic and avoidable.
While the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office is currently reviewing the case for potential charges, the investigation remains open as of now, according to a statement given to WOOD TV. In the tragic turn of events, it was one of the sisters who pulled the victim from the pool. Life preservers, though necessary, were not found among the pool toys and noodles left with the children, who were unsupervised for 35 minutes while the women enjoyed their time at the bar, the Sheriff's Office stated.
