A student was found unresponsive on July 31st in a swimming pool at the Harker School in West San Jose.
The student was attending a summer camp program at the school and was participating in a swimming lesson with lifeguards present, when the child was found unresponsive, according to the Head of School Brian Yager. A nurse and the lifeguards performed CPR on the student until paramedics arrived.
After being transported to a nearby hospital, the youth remained in an unknown condition as of Wednesday morning. Their name, age, gender or city of residence have not been specified by the authorities.
The incident took place at one of Harker’s four campuses, their lower school, for the k-12 non-profit private school. The lower school contains students from kindergarten to fifth grade and is located on 4300 Bucknall Road, just south of West Campbell Avenue in West San Jose.
In a statement to The Mercury News, Yager said that the school will be reviewing all protocols and processes involving their summer camp swimming program as well as fully investigating what took place.
Counseling will be provided to campers, students, and staff in the wake of the incident, according to Yager. Camp services were canceled for the remainder of the summer and no further details were provided.
“This is an unfortunate situation as a student was found in a manner that no one ever anticipated,” said Gerald Singleton personal injury attorney at Singleton Schreiber. “This incident was likely preventable as there were many supervisors, such as lifeguards, present to aid in situations like this. My thoughts are with the family of the young victim.”
To contact Singleton Schreiber’s San Jose personal injury lawyers, call 559-702-0846 or via email at info@singletonschreiber.com.
San Jose Pool Incidents
San Jose, a bustling city in the heart of Silicon Valley, boasts numerous recreational facilities that cater to its vibrant community. Among these amenities, swimming pools serve as popular destinations for families and friends seeking respite from the California sun. However, a series of pool incidents in recent years has brought to light the need for heightened safety measures and community awareness to prevent further tragedies.
Over the past few years, San Jose has experienced several pool-related incidents that have caused injuries and, in some tragic cases, fatalities. Many of these incidents shared common risk factors, including inadequate supervision, lack of proper safety equipment, and poor pool maintenance.
One common occurrence is unsupervised children getting into trouble while swimming. Even a few moments of inattention can lead to devastating consequences. Similarly, pools with insufficient lifeguards or poorly trained staff can exacerbate the risks associated with emergencies.
Additionally, a lack of safety equipment, such as life rings and first-aid kits, can hinder the ability to respond effectively to accidents and injuries. Furthermore, poorly maintained pools can pose hidden dangers, such as slippery surfaces, malfunctioning drains, and unbalanced chemical levels.
A crucial aspect of preventing pool incidents in San Jose is fostering community awareness and education about pool safety. Local authorities, community centers, and pool owners must collaborate to promote responsible pool use and emphasize the importance of vigilance and supervision, especially when children are involved.
Public awareness campaigns can be instrumental in disseminating pool safety guidelines, such as the importance of having competent lifeguards on duty, enforcing pool rules, and maintaining a clean and hazard-free environment. Schools can also play a pivotal role in educating children about water safety, swimming techniques, and the potential dangers of unsupervised swimming.
To mitigate the risks and promote safe pool usage, pool owners and managers must prioritize the implementation of enhanced safety measures. Here are some essential steps that should be taken:
- Adequate Supervision: Ensure that pools are appropriately staffed with qualified lifeguards and responsible adult supervision for children and non-swimmers.
- Proper Safety Equipment: All pools should be equipped with life-saving devices, such as life rings, reaching poles, and first-aid kits readily accessible in case of emergencies.
- Regular Maintenance: Pools should be inspected regularly to identify and address any potential hazards. Chemical levels should be balanced, and pool areas should be kept clean and well-maintained.
- CPR and First-Aid Training: Pool staff and regular visitors should undergo CPR and first-aid training to respond effectively to accidents and medical emergencies.
- Clear Signage: Install clear and visible signage highlighting pool rules, depth markers, and emergency contact information.
- Child Safety Measures: Implement safety measures specifically designed for young children, such as fencing around the pool area and child-proof locks.
San Jose’s pool incidents have underscored the need for increased vigilance and improved safety measures within the city’s recreational facilities. By promoting community awareness, investing in education, and implementing enhanced safety protocols, we can significantly reduce the risks associated with pool-related accidents. Ultimately, fostering a safe and responsible pool environment will ensure that residents and visitors can continue to enjoy the water while minimizing the potential for tragedies.
“My hope is that school proceeds with the proper measures and investigates the situation fully, to ensure that this type of incident never happens again,” added Mr. Singleton. “The family of the victim should contact a personal injury attorney that can help them determine liability and fault in this complex matter.”
To contact Singleton Schreiber’s San Jose personal injury lawyers, call 559-702-0846 or via email at info@singletonschreiber.com.
