An inquiry is underway after the drowning of a 6-year-old kid in a pool at a New Jersey camp this week.
Camp officials recognized him on Tuesday as Michael Stewart of Lumberton, New Jersey. Stewart was at Liberty Lake Day Camp, located off Florence Columbus Road in Mansfield Township when the incident occurred at 2 p.m. Monday.
In a letter to families, Andy Pritikin, the camp’s owner and director, stated that a lifeguard discovered the youngster motionless in the shallow pool. Staff members immediately pulled Stewart from the water and performed CPR, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
“I am so sorry this happened,” Pritkin said Tuesday when speaking with relatives.
Today was the first day of summer camp. According to camp administrators, the youngster was in the freshman division, which implies he would be starting first or second grade. Stewart participated in an inclusion program for children with additional or special needs, according to officials.
According to Pritkin, at the time of the drowning, a group leader, two counselors, and three adult advocates, one of whom was assigned to Stewart, were supervising the activities.
Four lifeguards were allegedly on duty at the time. “I am so saddened, upset, and filled with grief,” stated Pritkin. “Michael was seen by a lifeguard and immediately pulled out of the water.”
It is uncertain how long Stewart may have been underwater.
Every year, hundreds of children attend this camp, many of whom are bused in from distant places. “We’re completely saddened and heartbroken. “Our thoughts are with our camper’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time, and we are respecting their privacy,” Pritikin said.
He also stated that this is the first significant event, injury, or death at the program in more than 20 years.
Pritikin has owned the campground since the early 2000s.
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A qualified clinical social worker who works solely with children is claimed to be assisting campers at this difficult time.
“The safety and well-being of our campers and staff is our priority. We have three registered nurses on staff, 25 lifeguards certified in first aid/CPR/AED, and the Mansfield First Aid Squad is only down the street. “Our goal is always to do everything we can to protect the campers and staff in our care,” Pritkin writes.
On Tuesday, the camp was running normally. The Chopper 6 footage shows children at the pool with lifeguards on duty. Pritkin stated that, while the decision was difficult, he felt it was necessary to restore normalcy for campers and staff.
He also stated that the camp exceeds lifeguard ratios and regulatory body criteria, and he believes the safety processes are sound. However, moving ahead, he stated that all workers will be expected to be in the water with youngsters, and a buddy check system will be implemented as per abc7ny.
The camp has been cooperating with law police during the inquiry, according to a spokeswoman.
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