ALIEF, Texas – “The first day we go to the pool this summer, this happens,” Anthony Garza said.
Garza spent his Wednesday afternoon at the Clayton Community Pool in Alief with his nephews. He told KPRC 2 reporter Corley Peel, the pool was calm, and several people were swimming.
At one point, he noticed an 11-year-old boy rushing over to him for help. Deputies said the boy’s 15-year-old sister was flailing in the water after jumping in the deep end. Deputies said the boy tried to help her, but he was unable to.
“Next thing I know, the little boy just came and told me she was at the bottom of the pool. We just got her out as quickly as we could,” said Garza.
Garza said he and his nephews managed to pull the teen out of the water.
“We got her up on the edge, and I started giving her CPR right away. Then the boys ran and got the cop that was across the street, and he took over once he got there. I was terrified. I just thought about, what can I do to help this little girl?” said Garza.
Deputies said the teen died at the hospital.
The pool does not require lifeguards. Signs on the property say, “Swim at your own risk.”
Garza and his wife, Regina, said they had just notified the HOA on Monday about concerns over the pool not requiring lifeguards. Regina asked not to show her face.
“I just think that there should be someone taking care of the pool, everyone in the pool, the surrounding area at all times. Because a sign that says swim at your own risk is not going to save lives,” Regina Garza said.
“[The people with the HOA] claim it is because they don’t have the funding for it. But that sounds ridiculous to me,” Anthony Garza said.
According to Harris County Public Health, the lifeguard policy is set forth by the state. Clayton Community Pool is classified as a Class-C Pool, meaning lifeguards are not required, because it’s private and requires guests to use a pass or key card.
Garza said he was the only adult at the pool that day, but he hopes more will keep watch.
“It hits home hard. I have a daughter the exact same age, so I could just imagine what that family’s going through right now,” said Garza.
KPRC 2 reached out to the HOA asking if there will be any changes to the pool policy following the recent drowning. We will update this article once we hear back.
KPRC 2 spoke with the Senior Member Experience Director with YMCA of Greater Houston, Karina Weiss. She said YMCA recommends not swimming in pools where lifeguards are not present.
If you are at a pool without a lifeguard, she recommends designating someone as a “water watcher.” This person would remain out of the water and would always keep an eye on those swimming. She said no matter how old someone is, it’s best to not swim alone.
If you are swimming next to someone in a pool that appears to be struggling in the water, YMCA recommends using the “reach or throw, don’t go” method. She said its best to grab a ring buoy or an object the distressed swimmer can grab onto, so the person outside of the pool and help pull them to safety. YMCA provides a free safety water program year-round. Those wanting more information can contact safetyaroundwater@ymcahouston.org.