Six-year old Eyobell Emun drowned on July 17, 2006 during a
swimming period at the Fernwood Christian Day Camp in Komoka,
Ontario. It was his first day at camp.
Early that afternoon, Eyobell's group had a swimming period at
the pool on the camp property. There were two lifeguards on
duty. After getting changed the group entered the pool. A short
time later, someone noticed Eyobell underwater and alerted one
of the lifeguards, who jumped in the water and brought him to the
surface. His vital signs were absent and CPR was
initiated.
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Ambulance personnel arrived and restored Eyobell's circulation.
He was taken by ambulance to the Children's Hospital in London,
Ontario and admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. He did
not regain consciousness and was pronounced dead on July 24,
2006.
Michael Shane, the Society's safety management director,
testified as an expert witness at the inquest. His recommendations
include:
- Amend the Health Protection and Promotion Act 565 to adopt a
provincial swimming pool bather admission standard.
- Establish a facility swim test standard and testing
procedure.
- Establish and publish a site specific Aquatic Policy and
Procedures Manual.
- Provide an orientation session for all camp staff and
volunteers specific to swimming pool operating procedures.
- Ensure camp staff and volunteers participate in emergency
procedures training.
- Create a standardized camper information form.
- Ensure all pool owner/ operators are certified with the
Lifesaving Society Aquatic Management Training certification.
- Create a script for lifeguard use when orientating bathers on
their first swimming pool visit.
- Promote the use of the camper buddy system.
- Provide lifejackets for bathers.
- Promote Ontario Camping Association Accreditation program.
As Canada's lifeguarding experts, the Lifesaving Society
establishes aquatic safety standards and consults on aquatic safety
issues.