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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsAbout those small black garden ponds. A warning.
The popular plastic ones... shovel a small hole and insert into ground, or just set it on the ground and stack some rocks on the side. Well...
This is my public service announcement for the year.
Yesterday we experienced the biggest tragedy that has ever befallen our family. My nephew, less than a year old, crawled up to one, climbed in, and drowned.
It was a freak occurrence all the way around. Apparently the dog, of all things, opened the back door and he crawled out behind him.
Such a sweet angel of a boy, too.
Not really seeking pity here... just so very shocked (and, to be honest, angry at the world right now) that I had to get the warning off my chest or I'll scream.
shraby
(21,946 posts)and the people who owned the place had their child drown in a mud puddle. It had fallen down in it and the child was so scared, it couldn't get back up.
I'm so sorry to hear about your nephew. An accident like that is a horrid event for any family. My heart goes out to you and yours.
Goodheart
(5,318 posts)Even on all fours it seems he should have been able to keep his head up out of the water and cry for help. They're doing an autopsy... maybe he hit his head or something when he fell in.
I guess the other part of my service announcement would be to keep your small child within your sight AT ALL TIMES.
TuxedoKat
(3,818 posts)Words fail me. Thank you for sharing such a painful post to help others. Again, so sorry for the loss of your beloved nephew.
MissB
(15,805 posts)virgogal
(10,178 posts)FM123
(10,053 posts)sweetroxie
(776 posts)I'm really sorry. Just tragic.
3catwoman3
(23,965 posts)Your advice is so very true - "I guess the other part of my service announcement would be to keep your small child within your sight AT ALL TIMES."
When I am doing well child visits for young kids, I always, always say "Constant watchfulness around any body of water, no matter how small. " My other every time caution is, "Toddlers and preschoolers are fast, curious, and have no judgment. It's a dangerous combination."
When I first started at the pediatric office where I have been for 22 years, there was a family whose 4 yr old son drowned in a hotel pool. Mom thought dad was watching him. Dad thought mom was watching him. No one was watching him.
Goodheart
(5,318 posts)She works nights.... she had come home and was spending time with him before getting her bed sleep. Just all around terrible... a perfect storm.
dawg day
(7,947 posts)It's very easy for the rest of us to make judgments.
Truth is, every parent - if they're honest-- has some moment when only good fortune kept them from a tragedy.
I was reading a book-- avidly-- when one of my sons crawled away from my side, squeezed through a gap in the fence, and slid down into the stream at the bottom of the garden. When I looked up, I saw him there, dangling his little feet in the water.
I was a good mother. I just wasn't completely focused 24/7. (plus, sigh, I am/was a READER-- the "descend into the book" type.)
Please hug the mom for me. We should never judge. We all got away with screwups... sometimes, our luck is out.
And toddlers are just so curious-- if there's a danger, they'll find it.
Goodheart
(5,318 posts)Thank you for sharing that.
Historic NY
(37,449 posts)d_r
(6,907 posts)LuckyCharms
(17,425 posts)I wish I had words of comfort, but I'm not sure what to say. I hope you feel free to let your feelings out either here or with others that you trust.
RandomAccess
(5,210 posts)And of course you're angry -- that's one of the steps of grief.
Hope your family heals quickly. I can't imagine what the parents are going through -- my heart goes out to them.
Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)I hope that everyone involved is able to find peace during this difficult time.
ailsagirl
(22,893 posts)And I am so very sorry
The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,656 posts)I have one of those little ponds. The yard is fenced and there aren't any small kids around but it wouldn't have occurred to me that it could be a hazard for kids at all. I do have a couple of young nephews so if they ever visit I'll keep that in mind.
My condolences to you and your family.
Goodheart
(5,318 posts)Happened yesterday, and hasn't yet hit the local paper... which I find puzzling. Will share the location later if that seems appropriate.
Hassin Bin Sober
(26,318 posts)It never occurred to me either.
A friend on mines parents have a pool. When smy friend visits she is on pins and needles. They installed all the locks and safeguards. She watches the kid like a hawk.
It would be easy to neglect worrying about a Koi pond.
rurallib
(62,401 posts)right by the street next to the sidewalk with no fence, no cover, no nothing to stop a child from crawling in and drowning.
We have been very busy, but I will make sure to call my council member tomorrow about it.
So very sorry for your loss. Maybe your warning will save others. Thank you.
onethatcares
(16,165 posts)years ago a close friends son drown in a diaper bucket. I still remember their pain.
a kennedy
(29,642 posts)yardwork
(61,585 posts)LeftInTX
(25,201 posts)His parents must be totally devastated....I can't imagine. Less than a year old.....
Niagara
(7,589 posts)It's also imperative to anchor furniture and tv's around young explorer's.
http://www.meghanshope.org stresses the importance of securing furniture and tv's.
I encourage any parents, aunties, uncles, grandparents on DU to read Meghan's Hope website.
Again, I'm sorry for your loss
Goodheart
(5,318 posts)And especially for that helpful link.
Niagara
(7,589 posts)We are sharing in your sadness and we are here for support.