Near drowning of girl, 5, at Great Escape probed
QUEENSBURY — The state Health Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding a near drowning that happened at Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Waterpark Saturday.
Warren County sheriff’s deputies said a 5-year-old Hudson girl was found unresponsive in water; she was flown to Albany Medical Center Hospital, where she was in stable condition as of Saturday night.
The water park inside the hotel, which is called White Water Bay, has nine water attractions that include a lazy river, slides and shallow pools. The park off Route 9 is required to have lifeguards stationed at various points inside the facility.
It wasn’t immediately clear if the incident was impacting water park operations Sunday. Tickets could still be purchased on the Six Flags website and no one could be reached at the facility by phone Sunday morning.
A Warren County spokesman said the state Health Department handles oversight of public swimming locations in that county.
Monica Pomeroy, public information officer at the state Department of Health, said in a statement Sunday afternoon “as this incident is the subject of a department investigation, we cannot comment further.”
Taylor Myers, communications manager at Six Flags Great Escape, issued a statement Sunday morning: “Ensuring the safety and well-being of our guests is paramount to us which is why we have certified lifeguards and emergency personnel on property. Early yesterday evening, our onsite lifeguard and EMT team responded to a young swimmer in distress, providing immediate care. Emergency medical services were called; the guest was breathing when transported to a hospital for further attention.”
The Warren County Sheriff ’s Office said it was assisted Saturday by West Glens Falls EMS, Queensbury Central Fire and the State Police.