Girl, 4, Drowned After Mother Left Her and Other Children in Pool Unattended to Go to Bar: Police

A 4-year-old girl in Michigan died after she was left in a swimming pool area without adult supervision, according to authorities.

Oakland County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the Deer Lake Athletic Club around 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30, after receiving a report of a possible drowning, the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

Investigators said two adult women brought six children — ages 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 — to the pool. After placing several floating devices into the water, authorities say the women left the children alone and went to the club’s bar/restaurant area, where they ordered food and drinks.

The women were reportedly away from the pool for about 35 minutes while the children remained in the pool area, the sheriff’s office said.

Authorities noted that the pool area has signs posted at each end stating there is no lifeguard on duty and that minors under 16 are not allowed in the pool unless an adult is present. Investigators said no adult was in the pool area at the time of the incident, and the oldest child present was 12.

The sheriff’s office said the 4-year-old was pulled from the water by her sister, and the two women were then located.

When deputies arrived, they found the child on the pool deck while CPR was being performed by two adult men and a woman. Deputies continued lifesaving efforts until Independence Township Fire Department paramedics arrived and transported the girl to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

The press release stated that investigators saw pool toys and pool noodles in the area but did not observe any “life preservers.” Officials also said the pool depth ranged from about three to five feet.

In a statement posted on social media, the Deer Lake Athletic Club said that “emergency services were contacted immediately, and staff members responded in accordance with established safety and emergency protocols.”

“We are cooperating fully with local authorities as they conduct their review of the incident,” the statement continued. “Out of respect for the family and the integrity of this process, we will not be sharing further details at this time.”

“The safety and wellbeing of our members, guests and employees is our highest priority. We ask our community to keep the child and family in their prayers and to respect their privacy during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement said.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard called the death “horrific and tragic” and said it could have been prevented.

“We always encourage that not only is there an adult present for any children’s swimming activity, but one adult is specifically tasked with watching and not just in the area,” he said. “We have seen cases where children have drowned in a pool surrounded by adults.”

The investigation remains under review and will be submitted to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for further consideration.