Trigger warning: child loss
On a bright, sunny day in Southern California, June 28, 2019, my husband and I followed our usual morning routine, buoyed by the excitement of the upcoming weekend. We dropped off our daughter, Mia, at a popular family-run recreational childcare facility in the Los Angeles area. With kisses and promises of love that spanned the universe, we watched her skip down the grassy hill to join her new friends at campfire.
That was the last moment we shared with her.
Just an hour later, we found ourselves at the trauma entrance of the hospital where Mia had been born six years earlier. The sight of her lifeless body, her bright blue eyes eerily half-open, and her skin transformed to a waxy shade was a horrifying reality. She was no longer our vibrant daughter but a mere shell.
My husband later told me that the scream I let out would haunt him forever. It was the sound of raw, unrestrained grief—the moment we understood that our little girl was gone, and with her, our entire world shattered.
I don’t recall the scream itself, but I vividly remember the frantic efforts of medical professionals trying to revive her. Nurses held me up while doctors rushed around, attempting to bring back the light that had been extinguished so brutally. Within 30 minutes of leaving her at summer camp, Mia had drowned. The chilling weight of that reality pressed down on me, leaving me gasping for breath.
Fast forward eight months, and the world was gripped by a pandemic. Our loneliness compounded, and we found ourselves isolated from those we needed most as we navigated this insurmountable grief. During that time, I had the space to reflect on our choices as parents and how we might have unknowingly led Mia to this heart-wrenching fate.
As the world began to open up again, parents were eager to send their kids to summer camps, believing it was essential for their social and emotional well-being. I grew up on the East Coast, spending summers with family at the beach, and while I never went to camp, I noticed that in Los Angeles, the camp culture was pervasive. Friends and colleagues I respected enrolled their children without hesitation.
Around February of Mia’s kindergarten year, my husband and I debated childcare options for the summer. I suggested a recreational program, thinking it would provide her with outdoor fun and new friendships, not realizing that my decision was heavily influenced by what everyone else was doing. That was mistake number one.
We ultimately enrolled Mia in an 8-week summer program, but she had no say in the matter. It seemed obvious to us that running around with other kids and swimming would be an adventure. That was mistake number two.
I refer to it as a “recreational daycare program” because that’s what camps essentially are—places where we leave our children while we manage our lives. It’s baffling how we often regard camps with less scrutiny than traditional childcare providers. Perhaps it’s because we see camps as a break from routine rather than a serious childcare situation.
I never thought to ask if the camp was licensed or if they followed safety protocols. They had been operating for over 40 years, so surely they were compliant, right? That was mistake number three.
We had a pool in our backyard, and while Mia had taken swim lessons, she wasn’t water-safe. I informed the assistant director of her status, and on the first day of camp, I was assured that counselors—certified lifeguards—would supervise the children during swim time. I was led to believe they would help Mia become water-safe. Mistake number four was putting my trust in those assurances.
Throughout the wrongful death lawsuit, we discovered that the counselors had received minimal training. They showed up for a Saturday morning session and left as “certified” lifeguards, which did not meet the American Red Cross guidelines. We were left questioning whether any of them could swim adequately.
I should have insisted on observing their swim procedures, but the camp’s no-visitor policy barred me from doing so. I accepted it as a privacy measure for the children. Mistake number five—an absurd policy that concealed the camp’s dangerous secrets.
Many recreational facilities provide hasty training just before the season begins. How effective can that training be? At least 30-40 other children witnessed Mia’s tragic drowning, and the camp’s lack of accountability for monitoring the pool is alarming. Without a clear headcount, how could they know if one child was missing?
There were supposed to be four counselors supervising the pool, but none noticed Mia drowning. This is a terrifying reality, as drowning can occur in seconds, often with adults nearby who are distracted or untrained.
Once Mia was finally spotted, chaos ensued. The camp staff lacked the knowledge to administer first aid or CPR, and no emergency action plan had been put in place. I never thought to ask if they had one before enrolling Mia. That was mistake number six.
As parents, we need to critically evaluate the safety measures of summer camps. Are we too eager to accept a camp’s reputation without thoroughly investigating their safety protocols? We must prioritize our children’s well-being over the allure of adventure.
While I understand the benefits of camps for children’s development, I urge parents to prioritize safety. Not all camps are created equal—some genuinely prioritize the well-being of their campers.
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Essential Questions for Parents Considering Summer Camps
- Are the counselors properly trained and certified?
- What safety protocols are in place?
- Can parents observe activities to ensure safety?
- What is the camp’s emergency action plan?
- How does the camp monitor the number of children in potentially dangerous situations?
By being vigilant, we can help prevent other families from experiencing the heartbreak we endure every day.
Summary
This article recounts the tragic story of a mother who lost her daughter, Mia, due to drowning at a summer camp. Through her heart-wrenching experience, she highlights the mistakes made in choosing a camp and stresses the importance of thorough vetting of childcare facilities. Parents are urged to prioritize safety over trends and adventure when selecting summer camps for their children.