Tragic accidents *do* happen to innocents. It happened in my own family when I was 17 years old.
My 2 aunts traveled down this way from upper NY state to camp and hit the beaches here with their children. 2 adults, 2 teens, and 8 cherubs. As is was, the surf was ruff with horrible riptides, so they all swam in the ocean fed pond. My aunts were relieved since they would be able to keep a closer eye on the little guys, as well as my brothers who were goofing around with the little ones.
One of my aunts needed to take 3 of these cherubs to the port 'o pot for "you know". As she was helping each of these little guys do their "thing", my cousin asked if they would go back to swimming soon. She said, "Yes, but wait for me".
This sweet cherub took off as fast as his little 4 year old legs could take him and jumped right into the pond. *No one* saw him, *no one* heard him, *nothing*.
My aunt, a certified Lifesaver, dove and dove and dove and dove....When they finally found him, it was obviously to late, though at the hospital they did revive him..briefly.
Who is to blame? His Mother for not noticing his return? He returned to where they had placed the group. My other aunt who took him to the port o' pot to pee? This same aunt who searched for him before finally finding an arm to grab and bring him up to the surface???
These women have had to live with this guilt for years. An accident. An accident....
I will not place judgement on this mother right now. I can't. When all is said, investigated, and done, then I will be able to share a thought. But, right now, I simply cannot.
My cousin's name was Marty, short for Martin. He was 4 years old. He was beautiful, but he drowned at a ocean fed pond in RI.