Allyssa Squirrell, a 11-year-old junior lifeguard in the city of Huntington Beach's summer program, died after she was struck by a boat propeller during a routine ocean training exercise off the Orange County coast on July 14, 2009. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, this is the first fatal accident since the city started its junior lifeguard program about 45 years ago.
The incident reportedly occurred when the program's participants were being dropped off in the ocean and then retrieved by a lifeguard boat during what was a regular training exercise. However, Lt. Greg Crow, the driver of the boat and a 32-year veteran, did not see Allyssa in the water and struck her with the boat. The boat's propellers hit the girl and she died of massive cuts to her back and extremities, the Orange County Coroner reported.
My heart goes out to the family, friends of young Allyssa Squirrell as well as fellow junior lifeguards who saw this horrific incident happen before their eyes. I offer my deepest sympathies to Allyssa's family for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your prayers. I also feel for the veteran lifeguard lieutenant Greg Crow, 53, who has apparently taken time off work as there is an investigation underway and because he has been devastated by this boating accident.
While most news reports on Allyssa's death call the incident a "tragic accident," I cannot help but wonder whether the city of Huntington Beach has done everything possible to make these exercises safe for these young lifeguards in training. Of course swimming in the ocean is a lot different compared to the swimming pool. Everyone understands the risks and hazards associated with training in the ocean. And granted, the city has been running this program for more than 40 years without incident.
But the following questions remain. Did everyone involved in this exercise--including Lt. Greg Crow--follow all required procedures during this training session? Did they take every possible precaution to make sure that no child was separated from the group? Was there any recklessness or negligence on the part of Crow or the other city employees running this training program? Only a thorough investigation can bring forth all the details and present the complete story. Allyssa's death is a sad reminder of the fact that even the most seasoned professionals can make mistakes.
I understand that Allyssa's family must be going through a harrowing time now as they grieve for their daughter. I cannot even imagine what it must be like to send off your little one to a fun summer program and hear such devastating news. Tragic! However, the family would be well advised to consult with an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer who will represent their interests and make sure that the city and county do their due diligence in investigating this case and do so with fairness and objectivity. That is not only important to make sure that the Squirrells get justice, but also to make sure that an incident such as this one never happens in the future. If negligence or wrongdoing was involved, the family of the deceased victim may file a wrongful death claim (in this case against the city of Huntington Beach) seeking compensation for funeral costs and other damages. However, such a claim against any California governmental agency is time sensitive and must be filed within 180 days of the accident or injury. The best Orange County personal injury law firms will always offer a free, comprehensive and completely confidential consultation to injury victims and/or their families.
SLS Consulting