Authorities advise swimmers and recreational water users to “exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines.” (Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
A “tragic drowning” in a local pond this week is another grim reminder for residents to brush up on water safety precautions ahead of summer, a Mass General doctor tells the Herald.
A swimmer died in a Harvard pond late at night earlier this week, according to police who responded to a report of a missing swimmer in Bare Hill Pond around 12:28 a.m. Thursday.
“The caller indicated that his friend, who had gone swimming, was no longer visible approximately 250 feet offshore,” Harvard police wrote, calling the incident a “tragic drowning.”
Numerous police officers, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the pond and deployed boats to assist in the search. The rescuers also launched a drone.
Divers found the body of the missing swimmer around 2:09 a.m.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased during this incredibly difficult time,” police said.
“We urge the public to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines when engaging in recreational activities in and around bodies of water,” police added.
In the wake of this drowning, the Herald spoke with a critical care doctor and trauma expert at Mass General, who noted the importance of people swimming in designated areas in front of lifeguards at permitted times.
A couple of years ago, a teenager died after jumping from a high rock into a Gloucester quarry and failing to return to the surface of the water.
“It’s important to stay in places designated for recreational swimming, with lifeguards at designated times,” Mike Flaherty, a pediatric intensive care physician in Mass General for Children’s pediatric intensive care unit, told the Herald.
“Unfortunately, this (the recent drowning) happened in the middle of the night,” the doctor added.
Drowning incidents tend to be quiet and quick, Flaherty said, emphasizing the need for an adult to always be watching children at a pool party.
“You should have a designated watcher who is within arm’s reach and closely supervises children at all times,” he said, adding that someone can be a designated watcher for 15 minutes before being passed on to the next adult for 15 minutes and so on.
It’s also not a bad idea to learn basic CPR, Flaherty said.
“In fact, lifeguards save lives and we always encourage people to get certified,” he added.
The state Department of Conservation and Recreation is still hiring lifeguards at beaches and pools. The state offers an hourly rate of $22 to $27 for pool and shoreline personnel, depending on the position and associated certifications.
DCR has also said it is offering a $250 bonus to candidates who apply by Saturday, June 1. Additionally, the agency is offering a $250 retention bonus for lifeguards who remain in good standing and work through August 18, the end of the indoor pool and beach season, and an additional $500 for those working through Labor Day.
For more information about lifeguarding opportunities, visit the agency’s lifeguarding webpage at www.mass.gov/guides/dcr-lifeguarding.
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