There was a Fall River pool drowning death, and the woman's body was found days after she died. According to The Boston Globe, thirty-six year old Marie Joseph is believed to have drowned on Sunday in a public pool, though her body was only found Tuesday night.
From Sunday to Tuesday, the pool was open to the public and patrons swam in the pool unaware that there was a dead body floating beneath them, reports the Globe.
After discovering the body, state officials closed the pool and thirty other public pools until investigators could determine how Joseph died, how lifeguards did not notice the drowning or the dead body, and other safety protocols.
A state official said, “The facts would appear to indicate a woman was in the water for a number of days, unnoticed by patrons, staff, or even local health inspectors,” thereby suggesting a “breakdown systematically somewhere,” reports the Globe.
As investigators continue their work, one nine-year old boy has come forward saying that he saw Joseph shortly before she died. The boy says that Joseph came down a water slide, narrowly avoiding the boy, and never resurfaced.
It may be weeks before investigators piece together exactly what happened, but given the self-described systematic breakdown, the state could face liability for Marie Joseph’s death.
Owners of public pools are generally required to meet state and federal regulations regarding pool safety. This can include ensuring the proper functioning of equipment, installing barriers, and having an adequate number of lifeguards.
It is still too early to know whether the failure to meet any of these requirements led to the Fall River pool drowning death of Marie Joseph.
Related Resources:
- Find a Boston Personal Injury Attorney (FindLaw)
- State closes 30 pools after woman’s body is found in Fall River (The Boston Globe)
- Take Caution to Avoid Swimming Pool Accidents (FindLaw KnowledgeBase)
- Swimming Pool Liability: Pool Safety is Key (FindLaw’s Injured)
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