Petition: Emergency Request for a Child
The 2 year boy is in critical condition due to the drowning accident on March 15, at the Aquatic Center. Remember: Miracles happen and it could be the touch of his father’s hand that can make all the difference. Nobody really knows about life’s mysteries, but you can help. Your voice counts…to read and sign petition follow link.
Thank you,
http://www.gopetition.com/online/26523.html
Please pass link on.
UPDATE– A Garage Sale/ Bake Sale is being held for Hayden – click here for details
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Tags: 2 year old boy near drown emergency request, antigo toddler near drown petition, aquatic center drowning baby
I don’t see the point in the Petition – was the father even around when the child was born? Wasn’t he already incarcerated? If so, the child would not even know him. I believe I had heard of a similar situation years back when a man could not get released even for his child’s funeral.
Even if the man hasn’t seen his son or been a part of his life, the little boy’s family may need his support. He was due for discharge March 3 and that is being held up by red tape and that’s not at all fair to him or the family if he desires to be where he is needed or wanted.
I guess there is no mention as to why this man is in prison…how about that fact that he killed a member of my family while under the influence..don’t get me wrong I fell horrible for that baby. But what about the damage he has done to the family of the man he killed because of his ignorance…let me know about that red tape!
I agree w/ antigo resident. While my heart breaks for the CHILD, I have no sympathy for the father. Do you think the family he destroyed got to hold their father’s hand and comfort him while he died? He never got the chance to say “good-bye” or “I love you.” He should have thought of how his carelessness would effect, not just the victim’s family, but his own. If you do the crime you do the time. The consequences are a direct result of his own actions.
Antigo Resident, I guess if it is a situation such as homicide or murder that the father is serving time for, that definitely isn’t fair to let him out when a famly member of his is dying. Isn’t it just a shame that HIS family is denied his presence and comfort also…just as you are denied your loved one’s presence and comfort? I guess what goes around, comes around, as they say. I wish the petition would have stated why this man was serving prison time to begin with, maybe it would make people reconsider signing it in the first place.
Let’s begin with the fact that the reason the father is in prison is due to the attempt of making methamphetimes when he was 20. Very stupid and he needs to be punished for that. He’s a good person that fell into the wrong crowd. He is serving time for that and with good reason. Secondly, no the father was not around his son was born. He was already incarcerated but the grandmother visits Brandon constantly with his son and they do have a relationship. Thirdly, the car “accident” that “antigo resident” is talking about was just that, “an accident”. He was not under the influence like the paper made it sound. He had a shot earlier from the emergency room. Still should not have been driving. But it was a mistake. In Antigo, there are hundreds of people driving drunk daily…are there intentions to kill someone…Of course not, but it could easily happen. You could take nyquil and kill someone and stupid Freddy at that paper would make you sound like you’d been drugged up. Accidents can happen to anyone. If you knew him, you would know he would never intentionally hurt anyone. Nobody thinks Brandon should just be set free. We agree he still should serve his time and learn his lessons, but he was suppose to go to rehabilitation on March 3 and would’ve been able to see his son. And following that he would be incarcerated for the accident at Neva Corners.
To Stan:
So you think that the 2 year old boy doesn’t deserve comfort or support? Wishing something bad on someone else isn’t the way to go. Also, look at how many young people have died in car accidents around her the past couple of years. Are you people being so rotten to them? And Brandon was holding that guy’s hand until the ambulance showed up…He tried to save him. Neva Corners is a dangerous corner to begin with and Brandon said that he looked and there was nobody…the brake marks from the guys motercycle showed that he must have been going pretty fast. But because Brandon was already awaiting his court date for his screw up with drugs, they made him sound like a horrible person. Also, he had a shot from the hospital earlier because of hurt shoulder and was not under the influence of anything illegal or driving drunk. But was without a license which made things worse. He definately messed up and a family pays for it…but wishing the same on him makes none of you any better than he is. And I’d be surprised to know how many of you have driven drunk…something far worse than what Brandon did.
It was right on 45 not Neva Corners. I do NOT drink and drive!
anonymous. Are you so ignorant to think that paying for your crime & deliberately wishing someone pain is the same? I don’t know who “she” is or how many people have died in accidents “around” her. As for as I am concerned if has nothing to do with the father getting out of prison.
If he wasn’t under the influence of anything why did they tell him not to drive for at least 24 hours? He shouldn’t have been driving in the 1st place. He has had plenty of chances. Losing his license, drugs, homicide. . . Seems like a textbook escalation to me. Too bad he wasn’t locked up sooner for his crimes or “mistakes” Mr. Huhn would still be alive.
if the child is brain dead and there is no chance of survival i would say that his father has already missed out and that things are not going to change its too sad that a life had to be taken so early cause of a tragic accident that could have been prevented
I just want to say that I wrote the petition by the request of the family. I did it for Hayden and the family, not so much Brandon. I apologize if I hurt anyone in doing so. That was not my intent. I do not feel that Brandon should not be responsible for his actions. I just wanted to help the family. I cannot imagine how the family of Mr. Huhn feels. I am sincere and am so sorry for any issues this caused. It wasn’t meant to just set Brandon free without paying for mistakes. Hayden and his family were my concern, as now I am also concerned about the Huhn family and how this has brought back bad memories. I didn’t mean any harm and sure didn’t mean to minimize the death of Mr. Huhn.
With love and prayers for both families.
It is really sad to see how Antigo people hold grudges and care very little about anyone but them selves. other town the people come together and support each other and try to help, not this town! critical, selfish, selfcentered, rightous, opioninated, people live here, I hope all of you have never done anything wrong either by accident or other wise, and I am sure this is true or you would be more understanding to others. To say that it is to late for Brandon to see his son is just wrong, to say he got what he deserves, or that he is a murderer is so wrong. I understand the pain of losing some one due to an accident, but it was just that, Brandon never left the house that day and thought”gee I think I will hit someone with the car today” Was he is the wrong? yes, do you think he will ever forgive himself? NO, How much punishment do you think is enough?? I hope nothing like losing a baby ever happens to any of you but if it does I hope people will not hold your mistakes against you. No one was asking for Brandon to be released from doing his time, just to give him a day to see his son, and you people can’t find it in your hearts to understand, this just shows the ignorence of the people in this town, kick a man when he down, How very sad you people are, I for one am praying for Brandon, Hayden and their family, and when Brandon’s prison time is done, it is done, he will have served his time and should not be punished the rest of his life by our community as he will be doing that the rest of his life himself.
Questionable……Yes he was around for the baby’s birth and the first month of his life, and every day since. Just because someone is not phyically in your presence does that mean they are not a part of your life! As far as a similar situation, it’s amazing to me how cruel the system is, my heart goes out to who ever that was!
Sherry…..IC you have a mind of your own, I Thank You for that! It is not just Brandon that needs to hold Hayden’s hand but Hayden that needs his father’s….maybe-just maybe he will regain a sense of awareness!
Although in your second post, I’m sorry, even if someone is an axe murderer, taking from another isn’t a very christian way of seeing things. The correct term was neglegent homicide, he was guilty of neglegently driving without a licsense and caused the death of…..if he had a DL it would have been an accident, strange how the law is interpreted.
Antigo Resident….really, an eye for an eye!? Do you really want to know what happened at that scene, I WAS THERE!!! Before the EMT’s, before the police, I held Jim’s hand! Don’t you ever forget that Jim was a friend of the Bauknecht family, he worked with Brandon’s Dad, we saw him regularly at the general store in Neva. Jim would NEVER say the things you are saying, NEVER! He was one great person, and yes he was taken from us all, mostly his family and for that everyone is sorry, make no mistake we miss him too! Let’s remove ourselves from this just one second, how about Brandon’s 17yo brother who was in the passanger seat, had a bird’s eye view, first hand account of that second by second accident, he will never be the same, not to mention the other two boys in the back seat. You are so clouded with documents and supposed facts…..if you have them, look at how the hospital records are back dated, posted dated for a time Brandon wasn’t even at the ER….I know I saw him at my home ,10am, before his discharge time…weird huh?, everyone that day covered their butts, even his discharge orders, remember Hayden’s mother was at the ER. If Brandon had a drivers licsense this would have been an unfortunate accident, he was neglegent of driving without a licsence, no more no less. He was NOT under the influence at the time of the accident that happened MID afternoon.
Stan…..”The consequences are a direct result of his own actions.” I hope your are only suggesting the jail/prison time, if you are suggesting Hayden’s dimise, what a horrible person you are. I believe you are correct with the escalation of crimes, the young children of Antigo need a different system, because the current one isn’t working! You’re obviously close enough to Antigo Resident, ask her for the tox. reports, think about it, 1 year huber, for what the two of you are calling murder…hmmmmm
Anonymous, although your heart is in the right place, your facts are wrong. Jim died instantly, there was no CPR, he did not suffer. Brandon didn’t run…I dare anyone to live through that day, it was one of the most horrific days of my life, and I was only an innocent bystander. Hayden on the other hand…you can’t stand to watch a 2yo go through Nero. Storms where his little body is so contourted, tense, only his head and toes are touching the bed at times….I would give my life to bring Jim back and reverse time, however, if that meant that I would not have been able to be so profoundly touched by Brandon’s little boy….well enough said.
LifeNotFair, I think you too have your facts amess. Hayden is not brain dead, they removed all life support, and he’s still here, now it’s a waiting game. Preventable….oh YES!!!!!!!!!
BabyGirl, thank you for thinking of someone other than yourself. The Antigo community is a strange one to say the least. Don’t apologize for anything, it was out of the goodness of your heart, the most ironic thing about this, I believe had Jim still been here, he would have been one to sign your petition. You are correct that Brandon and those directly involved will live with this every minute of every day for the rest of their lives. Hayden should not have to carry such a heavy burden. I’m sure the family thanks you.
Cindy….General layout, Brandon’s federal sentencing(Wed.) suggested an 18-24 month sentence for his charges, when the DA of Antigo called the federal courts on Tues. the day after the accident, Brandon was not only called a murderer but was sentenced to 40 months, AND then received a 1 yr sentence in Antigo for the accident, hmmmm.
Enough said! Thank you too!
You poked the sleeping bear, please just drop this. This has gotten ugly enough and I for one have more important things to be doing.
if his time is done that is one thing to be released however to have anyone released cause of different circumstances then they have to do it for everyone, and there cant be that much red tape if your release date is march 3 then you get out on march 3 i beleive only part of the story is being told as to that
and i am not uncaring i have prayed for this family i do have little ones and my heart is very sad that something like this has happened so carelessly at this childs time in life he hasnt begun to live yet and i hope they can find peace with has happened god bless them and little hayden
Glad to see that there are many people here who feel that way that I do, Hayden should have his father at his side right now if at all possible. Remember this Easter season that Jesus died for our sins and we are not the ones to judge. Babygirl, you did the right thing…God bless and good luck!
Life’s2Short, Yes, I meant his prison time is his consequence. I don’t wish harm on anyone else. Ludacris. I firmly believe that people should pay for their crimes. I don’t think that he deserves special treatment.
Plain & simple.
It seems to me that some people even with the fact’s layed out in front of them will still
hold onto a misbelief.It maybe time to come out of your Glass House and put away your stones.
How many more accidents will occur at that congested corner before the DOT will do something ,but this
BLOG wasn’t about that horriffic accident it is about Governmental Red Tape.
Anyone who has served in the Military can explain this to you.No one is asking for Brandon to be released early
Brandon has served his time. When in church today I pray that the correct paper work end’s up
where it is supposed to be so Hayden can have his Father also by his side, talking to him as only a father can do.
Signed a Father,a Grandfather
It is human nature to have anger or resentment about a situation like this whether it be accidental or not, as I am not the only person still upset about what happened…I NEVER said anything about anyone’s child as I would NEVER wish harm on anyone’s child!
Well then Resident, you can surely understand the anger and resentment held when a person is continually prosecuted and persecuted in a public forum, and can’t defend himself, for a situation that is done and over. No one is suggesting either that he be released from his responsibility of Jim’s accident or that we should forget about what happened. If you are catching any of this conversation, we are talking about Fed. prison, this has nothing to do with Jim’s death. I believe that everyone jumped the gun here with the assumption that there is a release. I also believe that the petition was that Brandon be allowed a “furlough” to be with his son.
To answer someone else’s comment yes they do happen, yes it can be done, I think babygirl was attempting to show support in the prisons decision in allowing that.
Red tape….you have no clue, as Grandfather wrote. And yes you are only getting part of the facts . Release dates are not cut and dry in the federal system like you think. Go to the Federal Bureau of Prison website and read how that system works involving releases and manditory halfway house regulations, you might get a feel of what this is all about. This isn’t a particular individual issue it is a generalized federal prison issue and it happens all the time, unfortunately there are now extenuating circumstances complicating this matter, a baby’s life.
So now that all of the dirty laundry is out on the line, I thank all of you for your input on my son’s and grandson’s lives. I didn’t start this petition or this forum, and I really wish it would stop! Brandon will live with his consequences FOREVER. You think he is a heartless person because he made bad choices…..you have never been farther from the truth. The things you people have accused him of, the fact he isn’t a father, the fact he is a murderer, I can’t remain silent anymore. For God’s sake what do you want of him????? How much time should he spend in jail, how many years is enough????? Should he have died too that day, or should my 17yo son have died too, no instead they live and bere this forever!You say you would never wish harm on anyone’s child yet you had to start this, you had to point out all of this, yes you did wish harm on someone’s child, mine. You spoke out in a hateful way instead of leaving it alone, you were afraid Jim was going unremember….Oh not true, he is in our thoughts, memories, and prayers everyday!!!! Who do you think is the other person laying flowers at that corner we drive by everyday of our lives…???? We will NEVER forget!!!!!! And thanks to all this you have reopened a huge wound that will never heal!
I hope you’re all happy???!!!!! Like we didn’t have enough to worry about, our first grandchild, a 3 yo baby who will NEVER be the same. Get it, enough is enough, we’ve suffered enough for all this.
i agree with Life’s2Short, you people might not ever know
I carefully reread all the posts. Not in one entry did anyone say anything about him being a murderer. Not in one post did anyone say they were glad his child was in the hospital. Ignorance! Read carefully again & you can clearly see that people don’t think he should be released early due to any circumstances. Whether he is in prison for negligent homicide, drugs, or anything else. He shouldn’t receive special treatment. If his time is served, so be it. Just because you are more passionate & close to the situation does not make you more right.
I don’t think anyone serving time in prison should be released for any reason. We can’t and shouldn’t make exceptions for one person.Ever. If you commit a crime you should have to serve your full sentence. I hope I have made my point clear. This is the 3rd time I have stated it. If his time has been served and he is due to
I carefully reread all the posts. Not in one entry did anyone say anything about him being a murderer. Not in one post did anyone say they were glad his child was in the hospital. Ignorance! Read carefully again & you can clearly see that people don’t think he should be released early due to any circumstances. Whether he is in prison for negligent homicide, drugs, or anything else. He shouldn’t receive special treatment. If his time is served, so be it. Just because you are more passionate & close to the situation does not make you more right.
I don’t think anyone serving time in prison should be released for any reason. We can’t and shouldn’t make exceptions for one person.Ever. If you commit a crime you should have to serve your full sentence. I hope I have made my point clear. This is the 3rd time I have stated it. If his time has been served and he is due to be released this whole blog is pointless.
Stan: you just need to be quiet, you have no clue what you are talking about nor do you have any idea that you are hurting people by your comments and bringing up past things that don’t need to be brought up. You are a very cowardly man who has nothing better to do with their time, but sit on here and talk smack about a sitiuation that you know nothing about. Someday you may find yourself in a similiar situation and I hope your opinions may change then. Until then you can continue being a rude man with no heart. and for the record Brandon is a very good person who has made some bad decisions, that doesn’t mean he deserves to have ignorant people like you saying harsh things about him, he’s a better person than you’ll ever be. I feel sorry for you!!!
antigoresident: You also have no heart…you people are cruel heartless people. Like I mentioned to Stan. someday you may find yourself in a similiar situation and I hope your cruel opinions change then. Until then continue being miserable, but do not take it out on this family!!!!!! They are better people than you will ever be. I feel sorry for you and the people that associate themselves with you. By the way Brandon has suffered enough. He doesn’t need ignorant people like you talking about him or his family. I am pretty sure that Brandon didn’t wake up that morning and say you know what I think that I will get in an accident with Jim today. I mean come on people…!!!!!! What happended to him could happen to anyone…even you antigoresident!!!!!! or do you think your so perfect that things like that can’t happen to people “like” you. wow…your a crappy person.
If I was heartless like YOU claim I would have said nothing…..Brandon will get out someday and have a life unlike Jim. We are suffering too. You act like like we should be fine with this….well guess what we are NOT!
Weird, iluvdogs. You proved my point exactly. Again. . . never said he was a bad person. No matter what my opinion is you will twist it to your liking & make it sound like I am bashing Brandon or his family. I never once stated anything about him being a murderer or a bad person or I was happy of his circumstances. You act like it was a parking ticket and nothing should ever be spoken of it again. I also live in the real world where you don’t just forget someone when they die, you remember and miss them everyday. So use that in your next post. Just for the record, I’m a woman and I didn’t start this blog. Some other concerned citizen did.
For the record again. . . my opinion is. . . for the 4th time. . .no individual, including him, should be released from prison early under any circumstances, because they committed a crime. AND if he is due to be released regardless, because he has served his time, then by all means. Release him.
A benefit is being held for baby Hayden – you can find the details here: http://antigobuzz.com/blogs/2009/04/08/garage-sale-bake-sale-for-hayden-bauknecht/
..Hoping all will put their feelings of Brandon aside and donate or buy at the benefit.
Happy 3rd Birthday Hayden, may God continue to hold your little hand during this trying time for you!
Thank you to the Buzzy Bee people for the bake sale, hopefully it will take our minds off some of this, for a little while any how.
Grandma Jackie
Stan, like I said before they do allow furloughs, not releases, no one asked for a release for the 4th or 5th time, the petition was requesting a furlough…..
So I guess we both have our points, however no one asked for a release, so I guess your point is moot!
No one should be released from prison, even for a short time, called a furlough. He is there for a reason and should serve his time as should all convicted criminals.
Every single day since Hayden’s accident I think about him and his family. Even worse, I think about his father, who must be going wild not being able to see his toddler son. That absolutely breaks my heart. I have known that family for almost 20 years and they are some really great people. The type of people that would have your back no matter what. And that includes Brandon. Brandon is one of those people that seems to always learn his lesson the hard way. The truth is, life is not in black and white. It is always in shades of gray. I did not know the man who died in that awful accident, but I hear he was a really good guy. Do you think he would want a little boy to go through this without ever holding his father’s hand?? Even if just for a day. I guess what I’m saying is that this forum should be there for Brandon and Hayden supporters. Keep your negative thoughts to yourself please. I mean, my God, how much more can a family go through?
I would like to tell people that our children are not as safe at the pool as we think. My 3year old daughter almost drown less then a year ago there during swim lessons. I was watching her from inside the room on the south side of the pool. I noticed that she was going up and down and it didn’t look like something that she should be doing. I ran out into the pool area yelling for someone to help her watching as her little hand came up less each time. I got on the other side of the pool by the slide before someone heard me and blew a whistle for the instructor to pull her out. At this point she was under and not coming up anymore. When they pulled her out she was scared and coughing because she had swallowed so much water. She was very scared and I was very MAD. I was asked if she was okay and kind of laughed at. The next day I called the head life guard looking for answers how this could happen at SWIM LESSONS and some of the answers I got were “sometimes it takes something like this to happen for us to get a wake up call”, “my life guards are all teens and they don’t understand the importance of their jobs” I was also told that the life stand is for looks only. I think if they don’t understand the importance they should not be there. Also no wake up call should be at the expense of anyone. These were very inapproiate remarks to say to anyone. If a life guard would have been sitting in the stand they would have seen my daughter and whistled for help, no one would have to jump into 5 ft. of water. The following class I watched the life guard and he was in and out of the room and into the other pool area. This is how safe your child is. I would advise any parent that take a child there to swim to a party or a class to stay and watch them yourself. I have a very false sence of security with our pool. Don’t leave it up to the life guard to watch your child, they may have something better to do or look at like when my daughter went under. I think every child should learn how to swim but please stay and watch your child.
Our heart goes out to Hayden and his family
Come on now let be realistic here you cannot tell from the attitudes of this blog that some of these people would feel the same way if it was the other way around! They are actually bashing us for feeling the way we do! I do NOT stand alone in this and I refuse to be silent! They are not the only family that has suffered hardships and will NOT be the last! My heart breaks to hear of ANY CHILD suffering! I would NEVER EVER wish this on any family but I think Brandon is where he is because for what he has done not only for the accident but as well as other things! I am sure Jim would not want a child to suffer but what about how he suffered! The world is full of gray! I hope the benefit raises a lot of funds for that baby and may god bless him!
Totally agree with Dawn on her comment, its not the first I have heard or saw that happen!
This is for Dawn. First of all thank you soo much for sharing your story. It takes guts to put it out there. I am Haydens aunt. I can tell you watching this has been one of the hardest things to watch. This little boy has so much heart and love left to give. Watching him day after day gets hard but we as a family are pulling it together. It is upsetting to see this all posted on line watching peoples attitude and comments on all this. What everyone seems to be forgetting is the 3 yr old boy that has lost so much. Due to lack of knowledge.My sister and I have read your story. We are interested in talking to you. We can keep it via email. We just have some questions. The email address is haydens_aunt@yahoo.com.
Dawn, please know you are not alone with your experience at the pool. There is no words to describe the day to day turmoil that this event has brought. There are many stories surfacing about their own experiences there. Please share with haydens_aunt, I think it’s high time something is done about this. I was at one time a lifeguard and certified in CPR. I have never heard so many horror stories at one facility. The term lifeguard perpetuates the idea that you and your children are in good safe hands, not left to fend for yourself in the event the inevitable should happen.
Wouldn’t it be a wonderful thing if this forum would unite hurt and destroyed families for one profound cause?!
Gramma Jackie
Go Auntie!!!
I will say that on at least 2 occasion I have personally witnessed two little ones go under at the pool and have heard of a couple of more happening. I am wondering why the life guard towers are up now, as I am almost positive they were not up before!
Come on folks, can we stop bashing the Aquatic Center staff? What happened was a tradgedy. Assigning blame isn’t going to change anything. I want to be sensitive here because this is such a terrible event but bashing the staff because a two year old was unsupervised for even a few moments is unfair to them. Two year olds should not be left unattended for even a second. The staff responded to the situation and acted in a textbook manner according to the police. While they may not be perfect, the safety record of the Aquatic Center is excellent. Unfortunately, bad things do happen in this world. If you have a pool with toddlers around, tradgedies can happen. Bashing a good organization isn’t helping anything.
You may call it bashing but I think the public should know what goes on there. It came right from the head life guard that some of his staff doesn’t know how serious their job is because they are teens. This to me should be reason enough that something needs to be done. These are the lifeguards that we trust to watch over our children rather it is swim class or open swim. I do beleive that it is important for children to learn to swim, but I would like to think that they are safe there. Bad things do happen in the world but when history keeps repeating it self that is time something needs to be changed. We are talking about the saftey of children!
Dawn you are so right!Something has to be done about the staff at the pool.They are just kids themselves.They need highly trained ADULTS staffed there,so when trouble does arise there is a leavle head to take charge of the problem.When i pay for entrey to the center i would hope to god that atleast one person would know what to do.That poor child was at pool for 38 min before he was takin to the hosptiol here in town!!!!!I don’t care what Freddy puts in his Daily Urnail,he is just covering “The Good ol boys”*sses.Not this time boys,you have a fight on your hands!!
A lifeguard is a person responsible for overseeing the safety of the users of a body of water and its environments, such as a swimming pool, a water park, or a beach. This differentiates them from life savers who partake in similar activities as a sport or practical life skill.
I don’t believe the aquatic center should be held responsible. It’s impossible that two lifeguards can watch everyone at all times. The expectation of safety is taken for granted because they are there. You can’t take your eyes off of a child for a minute, whether you’re at home, at a park, or a store.
You also have to sign a waiver
“The undersigned shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the CRMAC and the Unified School District of Antigo, their officers, employees and volunteers against any and all liability, loss, damage, expense, costs (no limitation) of every nature arising out of the undersigned’s use of all the facilities at the Aquatic Center by myself, my children and my heirs.”
It scares me that when you take your child to swim lessons that the children aren’t 100% supervised, unlike at a b-day party or an open swim. Thanks for the heads-up Dawn. I would think that there would be a reasonable expectation that your child would be safe and supervised at all times. I hope that this terrible accident will help others in the future. Including the aquatic center staff. I know it has given me a wake up call. But, it is what it is. That is why they call them accidents.
I believe that it is partly the aquatic centers responsiblilty regarding the signing of any waivers. Of course, lifeguards are not babysitters for our children. Parents need to realize that. However, lifeguards are there to provide proper assistance in the case that an accident does occur. They should not be leaving the room without notifying another lifeguard…also it would be wise to make an annoucement to all swimmers that there will only be one or two lifeguards on for however many minutes. When I was 23, I was at Rainbow falls in the wave pool. I couldn’t get up from under the water…finally when I did…the lifeguard half-way on the other end was standing watching me…ready to jump in. There were a lot more people there to watch and I was an adult…and the lifeguard noticed me. Accidents happen even to adults…lifeguards cannot take it for granted that it’s just adults swimming or that adults are with the children. Water can be dangerous and teens should only assist lifeguards. Let teens run to the supply closet and office…fill in if the lifeguard has to use the restroom…but announce to all swimmers who is on duty. It’s good for teens to have the experience for being a future primary lifeguard but they are not mature enough to handle a situation like that alone. I also think that the 7 and 13 year olds, whoever they are, that helped Hayden should be comended for what they did…especially in such a scarey situation. If they wouldn’t have done what they did…nobody may have noticed. I, of course, think that the aquatic center is a great thing to have and would hate for them to close open swim or swimming lessons…but I do think that the staff should be better trained and that adults should never “just” rely on the lifeguards…
Anonymous-I quote “Of course, lifeguards are not babysitters for our children.” You hit the nail right on the head!!! There are there to assist with lifesaving measures if something starts to go bad, they are not there to babysit your kids because that would be impossible. What mother or father could watch 18 to 20 kids by themselves?? Parents are not banned from watching their kids taking swim lessons, they are not banned from participating in birthday celebrations, or swimming with their kids. My personal opinion, blaming the staff at the Aquatic Center for this accident is the same as blaming Brandon for the accident which killed Jim Huhn. Funny how the blame game can start up so fast when things get closer to home. Just my thoughts, no one else’s and I did not call anyone good, bad or anything. Just such a tragedy for everyone all around. I pray for little Brayden, that the good Lord holds him in the palm of his hand. Having cared for a near drowning victim, I pray his family has the strength they need to get through the decisions and days ahead.
Fed Up, your statement about parents not being banned from swimming lessons is not entirely correct. Parents are not allowed in the pool area and are only allowed in the room off the pool to watch through a window. Thats a pretty good distance, especially if your child is at the other end by the slide and going under for the second or third time.
The pool has some serious issues regarding their “life guards”. Unfortunatly, this is only the latest and most tragic of the incidents. Dawn is not the only one whose child had to be rescued due to lack of action by the pool staff.
If a mother left her child alone in a bath tub and something happened they would be held responsible and criminally charged…but if I turn my child over to the pool staff for swimming lessons or a pool sanctioned event and something happens, it’s not their problem???? How the hell does that work??
The fact of the matter is that you need to have more than one or two lifeguards covering an area of two pools of that size. If you can not hire qualified or competent staff than you should not advertise them. If you have lifeguards there is a responsibility of those lifeguards to supervise. If there are no lifeguards, it becomes “at your own risk”. There is also a reasonable assumption that during swimming lessons your child will be watched, “baby-sat” even and will never be left unattended.
Our aquatic center is a joke.
That bathtub statement of yours Alexis was off the mark.
Just because I don’t agree, out come the teeth. I guess I am old school and went to the lessons with my child and watched them and never depended on a lifeguard for anything other than to be watchful of the whole pool. You can always get the aquatic center shut down I guess; that seems to be the way this situation is headed. Can’t have more staff because the cost will go up, already have a community griping that the cost is too high, doesn’t seem like a win-win from any perspective. By the way, this accident did not occur during swimming lessons so I guess we should not be using that as an example. I am sure that Hayden’s parents were indeed being watchful and were there swimming with him at this party as were the lifeguards and a tragic event occurred for which the finger of blame can be pointed wherever you choose but it doesn’t change the outcome.
Fed up, once again you comment on everything but what I really said.
You went to swimming lessons with you kids, that’s great. So did my parents. But I was referring to Dawn’s post regarding swimming lessons(since one of these incidents did happen there, then we have every right to comment on them). Since parents are no longer allowed to stand beside the pool, like they used to and now have to remain outside the area in the south end room, how do you suggest one becomes watchful and careful of their children??
And how exactly is my bathtub comment off the mark? I was using a generlized statement to make a point. If there is a tragedy while a child is in my care, then it’s my fault…but not when they are under the care of the aquatic center???
Again, if there are no lifeguards it’s “at your own risk”.
You can’t advertise a lifguard, who by definition is “An expert swimmer trained and employed to watch over other swimmers, as at a beach or swimming pool. Also called lifesaver.” and then say it’s not their resposibility to watch over you or your children when they are in and at the pool.
I have a 2 year old child and would never let them out of my sight near water. EVER! Whoever brought the child to the pool is directly responsible for their safety. Lifegaurds are not assigned on a 1-to-1 basis, and children that age, playing in a ‘family pool’ need to be supervised, directly, by the family or friends who brought them. The lifegaurds at the pool have done a great job at keeping the pool safe and watching your kids so your lazy ass doesn’t have to. Most pools have a lifegaurd staff consisting of teens. When I was a teen, I worked as camp lifegaurd and was fully trained in CPR and safe water rescue, but child care wasn’t part of the training as it wasn’t our job.
Not to cause the person who brought the child to the pool in the first place to blame themselves for this tragedy…..but I gotta say I agree completely with John Jameson…….whoever brought him should have been watching him more carefully……only 2 lifeguards can not watch all them children all the time weather they be teen or adult lifeguards………that is why whoever brings children to the pool need to watch them……I have a 7 yr old (who swims pretty good) and a 4 yr old and I never let them out of my site in water…….I am in there with them and I make sure my 7 yr old is within 5 feet of me at all times and my 4 yr old is in arms reach……..u can never be to careful when it comes to the safety of a child……….I don’t feel anyone should be placing blame….I think your time would be better spent thanking God that the outcome wasn’t worse……..and praying for that babies recovery……..as far as his father getting out early (no way I would sign that petition) he knew he shouldn’t have been driving while impaired no matter what the impairment was caused by and he chose to drive anyway and ended up causing the death of another be needs to complete his punishment …… he can spend all the time he wants with his son after he gets out…….this may seem cruel to say but him being in prison is a self inflicted situation….nobody forced him to drive impaired……there is a taxi service in town and I am sure he has 2 feet also……..there was other options other than driving when he should not have been…….
I have a comment about one of anonymous’s post…….I MADE A PROMISE TO MY COUSIN A LONG TIME AGO THAT I WOULD NEVER DRIVE DRUNK AND I NEVER HAVE AND NEVER WILL…..I MADE THAT PROMISE TO HER ABOUT 5 MINUTES BEFORE SHE DIED FROM INJURIES SHE GOT WHEN SHE WAS HIT WHILE RIDING HER BIKE……SHE WAS HIT BY A DRUNK DRIVER HIS BAC WAS ALMOST 3 TIMES THE LEGAL LIMIT…..SHE SUFFERED AND DIED HE WALKED AWAY WITH BARELY A SCRATCH……..I don’t care what a person is impaired by alcohol, drugs weather they be prescribed by a doctor or illegal ones, COMMON SENSE SAYS IF IMPAIRED DO NOT DRIVE……ALSO NOW THAT I HAVE READ SOME OF THE COMMENTS MORE CAREFULLY…….I SAW THE COMMENT ABOUT THE HOSPITAL TELLING HIM NOT TO DRIVE FOR AT LEAST 24 HOURS……THAT REALLY TICKED ME OFF….HE CHOSE TO IGNORE THAT DISCHARGE ORDER IF HE HAD FOLLOWED IT THE PERSON HE KILLED WOULD BE ALIVE NOW….IN A CASE WHERE MEDICATIONS THAT ALTER THE PATIENT ARE USED THOSE DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS TELLING YOU NOT TO DRIVE OR OPERATE MACHINERY…… ARE GIVEN FOR THE PATIENTS SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC WHOM COULD BE INJURED BY THE ACTION OF THE PERSON WHO RECEIVED THE MEDICATION SHOULD THEY CHOOSE NOT TO FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS……….WHAT IS SO HARD ABOUT CALLING SOMEONE AND SAYING CAN YOU COME AND GET ME I CAN NOT SAFELY DRIVE RIGHT NOW………..
I see nobody has a comment about my last post…….