Witness to near-drowning at Island MetroPark voices safety concerns

Briana Greenwood, witness to the near-drowning of a 2-year-old boy at Island MetroPark on April 21, is advocating for changes because of safety concerns about access to the water at the park.

Park employees notified Greenwood in an email that the boy is doing fine, but she is still concerned.

Greenwood told park officials, in a letter, how the boy wandered from his parents and wound up in the river.

RELATED: Near-drowning scare at Island MetroPark

The child's father pulled him out. He coughed up water after CPR was performed.

Signs at the park warn that adult supervision is required, but Greenwood advised officials there is no barrier to keep children out of the water. She suggested a "strong, sensible fence" be put up.

Mark Hess, chief of Public Safety for Five Rivers MetroParks responded to Greenwood: "We will take your ideas and others into consideration as we evaluate this incident and look for ways to prevent such incidents in the future."

Greenwood frequents the park about once a week with her son and is concerned an incident like the one on April 21 could happen again if a barrier is not put in.

"This simple precaution could save many lives of the thousands of children and families that enjoy the MetroParks," wrote Greenwood.

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