June 25th 2024.
On what should have been a day filled with excitement and adventure, a tragic accident occurred at Liberty Lake Day Camp in New Jersey. The first day of summer camp turned into a devastating day for all involved as a young boy, only six years old, lost his life after drowning in the swimming pool.
According to the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office, the boy was found unresponsive shortly before 2pm on Monday. The camp's founder, Andy Pritikin, shared the heartbreaking news with families in a message obtained by The Philadelphia Inquirer. He explained that during the afternoon swim period for the Freshman Division, one of the lifeguards noticed the boy appeared to be unresponsive in the shallow pool.
The quick and valiant efforts of the lifeguards and staff were not enough to save the boy's life. Despite performing CPR and calling 911, the boy was rushed to the hospital where doctors tried desperately to resuscitate him. Tragically, he did not survive.
The boy's identity was not immediately released and an autopsy was scheduled for the following day. The county prosecutor's office and the township police department launched an investigation into the incident. Pritikin expressed his devastation and heartbreak in his message to families, stating that their thoughts were with the camper's family, friends, and loved ones.
Liberty Lake Day Camp, owned by Pritikin since 2005, is known for its highly trained staff, including three registered nurses and 25 lifeguards certified in CPR and defibrillator use. The camp's Freshman Division is designed for children in first and second grade, offering a unique experience where they can choose their own activities through the Freedom of Choice elective system. The camp's website boasts over 60 diverse options for campers to choose from each day.
In the wake of this tragic event, a social worker has been stationed at the camp to provide counseling for any witnesses. Pritikin, along with experts, believe that the best way to move forward is to continue with the camp's activities as planned. The boy's death comes just weeks after another drowning incident involving a young girl in Ohio.
The young boy's death at Liberty Lake Day Camp is a tragic reminder of the dangers that come with swimming, especially for young children. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
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