On Tuesday, July 14, 2015, a child apparently vacationing at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, drowned at one of the resort’s three pools. Media outlets have provided conflicting information pertaining to the child’s age – some media outlets have reported this was a 3-year-old toddler, while others have reported this was a 7-year-old boy. The boy’s identify has not been released by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, but reports state the boy (or toddler) was found underwater. It is unknown how deep the water was at the location where the toddler was found. He was tragically pronounced dead at a local hospital, sometime after 8:00 p.m.

Information surrounding the drowning is limited. However, a representative for Disney has stated that, at the time of the drowning, there were lifeguards on duty. The number of lifeguards on duty is also unknown, but the Inquisitr reports that lifeguards are not on duty at all pools all night.

Just over one month ago, a 4-year-old girl vacationing at a different Orlando Resort nearly drowned at the resort’s pool. She was thankfully saved by a Good Samaritan. For more on this near-drowning, please see our article titled “Near-Drowning of 4-year-old girl reported at Orland, FL Resort”, https://www.maritimelawblog.net/2015/05/near-drowning-of-4-year-old-gi.html, (Published on May 22, 2015).

Drownings and near-drownings are occurring more frequently. These tragic events raise the serious question of whether sufficient safety measures are being implemented by resorts and pool operators. Safety must always be first. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the family of the boy who drowned at Disney’s World of Art Animation Resort.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-art-of-animation-drowning-disney-20150714-story.html

http://www.wesh.com/news/toddler-drowns-in-pool-at-disneys-art-of-animation-resort-deputies-say/34171288

Child Drowns In Pool At Art Of Animation Resort At Walt Disney World

PHOTO CREDIT: Local 10 News http://www.local10.com/news/3yearold-drowns-at-walt-disney-world-hotel-pool/34177000