The family of a boy who drowned at a private pool last summer has created a foundation to promote safety and training standards at all swimming pools and for all lifeguards.
Thomas Freed and Debbie Neagle-Webber established the Connor Cares Foundation in memory of their son, Connor Freed, 5, who drowned in an incident June 22 at the Crofton Country Club pool.
The foundation?s first fundraiser this weekend “raised a good amount to kick off,” Freed said.Prior to Connor?s death, Freed said, he was unaware how many drownings or near drownings occur each year at swimming pools.
“This gives us a focus,” he said. “If we could do this it at least gives us something to do. ? If we can do something now, then hopefully we can save a few lives.”
Freed said he hopes to use the foundation to push for mandatory minimum standards for safety at public and private pools, including training for lifeguards and the presence of defibrillators, a common sight at airports and other public places.
The Davidsonville family has filed a $20 million wrongful death lawsuit against the pool?s owners, alleging that the pool did not have enough lifeguards on duty and that the lifeguards were not properly trained. The case is scheduled to have a hearing in May 2007. H. Briggs Bedigian, Freed?s attorney, said the case could go to trial as early as next summer.
A handful of local politicians have supported a move for better safeguards at pools, including Jamie Benoit, Democratic candidate for Anne Arundel County Council District 4; James King, Republican candidate for Maryland House of Delegates District 33A; and John White, Republican candidate for Maryland?s 3rd Congressional District.
