A child's drowning death at Heckscher Park pond Nov. 11 has sparked a debate over whether to fence public water features to prevent future tragedy.
"I beg the town supervisor to please put up a gate around the pond. Too many children wander off near that pond to see the ducks," said one commenter.
"I agree that a fence should be put up. My daughter fell in 16 years ago when she was 2 years old also," said another. "I jumped right in and grabbed her out, leaving my newborn in the stroller on the sidewalk. Will never forget it. My condolences to this poor baby's family, I'm so sorry.
Others vehemently opposed the idea.
"A gate doesn't need to be put up around the pond. Unfortunately, tragedies happen every day in often the most unlikely and unexpected of ways. Not everything needs to be regulated or fenced in," said one.
"It is not the job of the town to parent small children," said another. "This tragedy was an accident. We can't prevent every accident from happening. My heart breaks for these parents but I'm totally against the idea of a fence around the pond."
Where do you stand? Should Heckscher Park Pond by fenced in? Should all public water features be fenced in?
Tell us in the comments below.
We ban smartphones when driving...why not when parenting? It's not the government's responsibility to be a nanny!
I know many parents will say to put a fence around the pond but if we do fence it in, does that mean we should fence off Northport harbor on the dock or fence off the water at the beach? I think we should do something about all the geese and ducks that can cause children to run off. They have multiplied in great numbers because they have very little predators at the park. Northport park used to be the same way before dogs were allowed. Dog owners clean up after their dogs, geese don't so everywhere you go there are geese droppings or a goose hissing at you. Also, children need to learn to stay at their parents side. We do that everywhere else so why not at the park?
The one comment I have regarding the subject of this article is that while the death of a child is an unspeakable tragedy, the idea of fencing in nature and in turn the potential sources of danger that lies within simply does not make sense. The comment about Northport Harbor is a valid point. Do we fence in the harbor because a child can fall in? If we do then why would we not fence in every body of water on Long Island? We would then need to build a fence around all ponds, harbors, lakes and beaches. This approach to child safety is unfeasible. If in doubt about safely perhaps keeping the child in a stroller or holding the child’s hand while by the pond is a better choice.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tell Us: Should Parents Carefully Watch Their Children, Especially Near Water? The unfortunate toddler drowning death in Heckscher Park Pond sparks debate about reminding parents to carefully watch their children. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A fence around the park pond is a ludicrous idea What's next, a fence at all the town beaches high tide marks, a local law that mandates for lifeguards for backyard parties with pools? Of course not. However, some additional signs that stress the importance of child supervision and safety, not just child or water, but all forms, as a personal responsibility in English and Spanish would be prudent.
Good Point!
If so you're lying saying you never lost track of them for a minute. While I agree that no fence should be installed, there are horrible tragedies that happen from time to time and will continue to do so.
Bad parenting is on the rise, lets not take it out on everyone.