INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A 4-year-old girl drowned Friday in a pool at a private Oakland County athletic club, and investigators say she and five other children were left to swim without adult supervision.
On Tuesday, Feb. 3, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office announced that detectives are finalizing their investigation into the drowning death of the 4-year-old girl from Sterling Heights.
Recommended Videos
Deputies were called to the Deer Lake Athletic Club in the 600 block of White Lake Road in Independence Township at around 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30, after receiving a report of a possible drowning.
When they arrived, the child was on the pool deck while two adult men and a woman performed CPR.
Deputies took over lifesaving efforts until paramedics arrived. The girl was taken to a nearby hospital, where she later died.
Investigators determined the girl and five other children, ages 12, 10, 8, 6 and 4, had been swimming without adult supervision in the pool area.
Two adult women had allegedly brought their six children to the club and placed flotation devices in the pool before leaving them unattended.
The women then went to the club’s bar and restaurant area, where they remained for about 35 minutes, according to the sheriff’s office.
The victim was ultimately pulled from the pool by her sister. After that, the two women were found inside the bar and restaurant area.
Investigators found pool toys and foam noodles in the area, but no life preservers. They said the pool’s depth ranged from approximately three to five feet.
Signs posted at both ends of the pool indicate there is no lifeguard on duty and that minors under 16 must be supervised by an adult.
“This is a horrific and tragic death that easily could have been avoided,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. “We always encourage that not only is there an adult present for any children swimming activity, but one adult is specifically tasked with watching and not just in the area. We have seen cases where children have drowned in a pool surrounded by adults.”
The case remains under review and will be submitted to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office.
The sheriff also said previous reports said the victim was 5 years old, but that her correct age is 4.