I had a group of special kids in the pool during the time this woman was there. I said, "ya know, this group has been here for over an hour and they're not complaining." Most of the kids in this special needs class are moderately functional. They're confined to wheelchairs, but when they get in the pool they are in a whole new world. They move they're legs and float and you can tell that they are having a great time. The water allows them to be much more mobile. Their eyes just light up and they have the biggest smiles on their faces. I love watching them being so happy. They don't complain about the water temperature.
There is this little boy in this group who is basically non-functioning. This child is about 7. This little boy can only lie on his back on a float in the pool. He cannot talk. His movements are almost non existent. He does make some noises. He can move his eyes and you can tell by the look in his eyes that he can understand what you're saying. His mother and his teachers say that he loves the water. I truly believe that he enjoys his time in the pool. He has a sweet smile. This boy is the victim of a near drowning.
The way this happened is just tragic. He was 15 months old. His sister, about 14 at the time, was giving him a bath. He was splashing around a lot in the bath and he got his sister's clothes all wet. She went to change her clothes and came back to continue bathing her little brother. When she got back to the tub, the boy was not breathing. It's not clear how long he was under the water, but the tub was only a couple inches deep. How sad! I can only imagine how his sister feels.
Do not leave kids alone when they are in the bath or near any body of water!
Life is just too short.
OK! That's what I think, so there!
