A teen’s drowning in Janesville over the weekend is prompting a review of safety measures at a local pond. Authorities say 14-year-old Marcos Esquivel swam with his friends beyond the roped off swimming area at Lions Pond Saturday.
One of his friends was rescued, but fire department divers estimate the boy was underwater for about 33 minutes. Emergency crews pulled him out of about 15-feet of water. Autopsy results show his death was consistent with accidental drowning.
Janesville Recreation Director Bonnie Davis says the accident “hits home” about teaching water safety. Although the pond is posted with “swim at your own risk” signs, Davis says she’s already talked with the city’s aquatics director about taking more proactive steps to prevent a similar accident. Davis says she will likely meet with other city officials to discuss whether upgrades are needed and a change in safety policy at the pond would ultimately be up to the city council.
Beth Wheelock-WCLO
