A 19-year-old woman was up to late yesterday assisting homicide detectives as they continued investigations into the circumstances surrounding the drowning death of her two-year-old daughter at Chaguaramas on Sunday.
According to reports, around 4 pm, the woman, of Quarry Road, San Juan, was at Williams’ Bay, Chaguaramas, with her two-year-old daughter and another toddler, when the little girl drowned.
Coast Guard officers attempted to resuscitate the child but were unsuccessful. She was taken to the St James Medical Complex, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
The incident occurred a little over a year after three-year-old Josiah “Messi” Gorkin died in similar circumstances during a family outing at the same beach.
Gorkin’s father Atiba was eventually charged with manslaughter (unlawful killing). That case is still at the preliminary inquiry stage.
Police sources said that investigators will continue to compile witness statements from those present during Sterling’s drowning and would approach the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), later this week, for advice.
Investigations are continuing.
Lifeguard warning to parents
Contacted yesterday evening, a veteran lifeguard warned parents with young children to be vigilant when visiting beaches during the school vacation period.
In a telephone interview, patrol captain at Las Cuevas Bay, Kirk Morton said that the special attention is necessary during the period as the already limited lifeguard resources were stretched by the high influx of people going to beaches.
Morton suggested that upon arriving at the beach, parents with children, as well as adults, should consult with lifeguards if there are any present.
“Normally there will be dangerous areas marked off. If you don’t understand the flags then consult the lifeguards and he or she would explain where you should and should not bathe,” he said.
Morton also warned against the use of boards and inflatables in the water these devices may cause swimmers to encounter difficulties.