Rogue deer makes a big splash
Swimmers in the pool and municipal recreation staff were stunned Sunday, Feb. 25 when a wild deer decided to stop in for a visit and a swim at Lasalle's Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex.
“There was no way somebody would believe there was a deer in the pool,” said Lasalle resident Francesco Siino, who managed to capture the surprise visit with videos and photos from the pool deck.
According to municipal staff, the four-legged creature smashed through the north-facing glass window near the hot tub area around 2:45 p.m. It interrupted swimming lessons as it took a plunge in the pool.
Siino said he was in the changing room before his son's lesson when another parent rushed in and announced that there was a deer in the pool. “I shrugged it off . ... ” said Siino. “But then everyone started rushing in from the lobby into the changing room.”
Siino decided to investigate for himself and, to his astonishment, spotted the wayward creature frolicking in the water.
Siino's Facebook post, with video and images of the deer in the pool as staff attempted to corral it, had racked up more than 500 likes and 2,000 shares within a day.
Municipal staff said lifeguards and staff responded quickly to clear roughly 30 swimmers and patrons from the pool deck into the lobby.
“This is not something that you can train for,” said Patti Funaro, director of culture and recreation. “I commend the staff on duty who responded immediately to ensure the safety of patrons and the deer.”
The animal was eventually coaxed into the main lobby and guided back outside. There were no injuries to staff or members of the public, however, a statement from the town suggested the deer may have suffered cuts, as small traces of blood were discovered in the area.
The pool was closed while maintenance crews worked to clean shattered glass from the pool deck and the hot tub area.