Splashville Water Park in Stephenville, roughly 70 miles southwest of Fort Worth, was temporarily closed Sunday after a 4-year-old child reportedly drowned there the evening before.
Members of the Stephenville police and fire departments responded to a call about a possible drowning victim at the popular family destination made around 8 p.m. on June 24.
The child had been found unresponsive in a Splashville pool during a private party. Attempts to revive the 4-year-old were made by lifeguards and other individuals at the water park prior to the arrival of first responders.
Police reported that the victim was taken to a nearby emergency room and declared dead at approximately 9 p.m. by the hospital staff, according to WFAA.
While Splashville temporarily closed on June 25 in response to the incident, an investigation has been launched by the Stephenville Police Department, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and the Texas Rangers.
Speaking to the press on June 26, Stephenville City Manager Jason King added that an external law firm would conduct an additional investigation. It has been specifically tasked with “review[ing] all operational policies and procedures relating to the operation of Splashville,” according to CBS News.
A statement from Stephenville police explained that the preliminary investigation pointed to the drowning being “a tragic accident.”
In a follow-up post, police released further details of the circumstances surrounding the drowning. Splashville had been operating below its maximum occupancy of 660 on the evening of the accident. Moreover, all lifeguards present were above the minimum age of 15 and had received CPR certification from the American Red Cross.
With scorching hot temperatures occurring across Texas, many residents are seeking out water-based recreational activities to cool off.
“Drowning is the No.1 cause of death for children under the age of four and the second leading cause for children up to 14,” according to the CDC, The Dallas Express reported.
Some tips for practicing better water safety with children include enrolling them in swimming classes, having proper enclosures that latch or lock around backyard pools, and always having an adult supervising children when they are near water.
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