Boy nearly drowns in school pool, family sues over negligence
A four-year-old boy with autism, spina bifida, and hydrocephalus tragically nearly drowned at Lincoln Elementary last December, sparking a lawsuit against the Ontario-Montclair School District. The incident, shrouded in disturbing details of alleged neglect, has left the family reeling and demanding accountability.
A nightmare unfolding: the details of the tragedy
J.M., a nonverbal child who relies on his upper body strength to navigate his world, was reportedly left unattended for ten minutes – an eternity in his vulnerable state – while he was supposed to be under the watchful eye of a one-on-one aide. According to his attorney, Robert Glassman, the boy was found face down in the pool, submerged for nearly a minute before being rescued. That ten-minute lapse, documented in a police report, represents a chilling breakdown in safety protocols.
The report indicates a teacher's aide was briefly absent, leaving J.M. without the promised supervision. A teacher, meanwhile, admitted to being stationed in her classroom during the critical period. The immediate response was a desperate airlift to a local hospital. The degree of negligence is frankly appalling; Glassman stated J.M. experienced a significant oxygen deprivation, resulting in diminished cognitive function and enduring post-traumatic stress, even triggered by simple bath time.
A cascade of consequences
The lawsuit alleges a blatant disregard for J.M.’s safety and the district’s failure to provide a secure learning environment. Glassman emphasized the severity, stating, ‘He very easily could have died.’ Beyond the immediate physical trauma, the incident has instigated a profound and lasting impact on the family, exposing a terrifying vulnerability within a space meant for learning and growth.
Seeking justice and safety
The family is demanding comprehensive safety assessments and immediate remediation of pool areas across the campus. They want to ensure that no other child suffers a similar fate. The school district has yet to issue a formal response to the lawsuit, citing legal protocol. But for Robert Glassman, the case isn’t merely about legal recourse; it’s about a desperate plea for vigilance – a stark reminder that even brief moments of oversight can have catastrophic consequences.