Child Drowning Case: Mother Allegedly Spent Time at Bar

Two Michigan mothers took their children to a private athletic club and left them unsupervised at the pool while they grabbed food and drinks at the club bar. The 4-year-old drowned.

At What Age Can Kids Swim Unsupervised in Michigan?

In Michigan, there is no statewide law setting a minimum age for children to swim alone. However, most public pools and beaches require children to be at least 10 to 12 years old to swim independently, often after passing a swim test. Given the number of young children who drown each year in Michigan, the absence of an official law is surprising.

Public pools typically require supervision by a lifeguard who is at least 16 years old. Similar standards apply at public beaches, unless signs are posted indicating that swimmers do so at their own risk.

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Experts recommend that no one swim alone, regardless of age. They also emphasize that young children under 10 should always be closely supervised, with an adult present and within arm’s length while they are in the water.

Authorities Investigate Child Drowning; Mom Allegedly at Bar

According to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office Facebook page, a 4-year-old girl drowned in the pool at the Deer Lake Athletic Club while the child's mother was getting food and drinks at the club's bar/restaurant.

The two mothers left their children, aged 12, 10, 8, 6, and 4, alone in the pool without any supervision. They were gone for 35 minutes and returned only after the 4-year-old’s sister pulled her lifeless body from the water.

Investigators took note there were pool toys and noodles in the area of the children but no life preservers were present. There was also a sign posted stating no lifeguard was on duty and that minors under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult.

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The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation. After completion, the case will be sent to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for review and potential prosecution.

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