Drownings spark safety talks

Drowning can happen in an instant.

“They go under the water, they can’t touch, they bob up and down. They’ll be opening, their mouth but they can’t actually scream because the water’s in,” said YMCA aquatics director Camille Arnold.

Arnold says safety should be a priority even for the most experienced swimmers.

“Always swim with a buddy and never swim without an adult or a lifeguard present,” Arnold said.

Even if there is no lifeguard on duty, Arnold says parents should be watching.

“Parents are always going to be the child’s biggest lifesaver, so if they’re constantly watching within an arms reach is the best bet,” Arnold said.

Police are still releasing very little information about the drowning that happened at the Grande Village pool Monday. The pool is closed until further notice but now a memorial has been set up to honor the three victims.

A balloon is tied to the pool fence and flowers lay at the gate of this small community at Grande Village.

While they wonder how this could have happened, first responders say it’s something they see at all bodies of water.

“I mean, it can happen to anybody, like I said, regardless of swimming ability, especially with children,” said Michael Smith, a Pueblo firefighter.