The City of Medicine Hat has closed all city-run pools and aquatic facilities following the death of an 11-year-old child Monday at a regional park.
On Monday, at about 2:17 p.m., Medicine Hat police responded to a report of a missing child at Echo Dale Regional Park, located about 15 minutes west of the city centre.
The child was located at about 3:30 p.m. and taken by EMS to hospital.
On Tuesday, police confirmed the child had died.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, but foul play is not suspected, said Medicine Hat police.
In response to the incident, the City of Medicine Hat said it immediately closed all city-run pools and aquatic facilities. They will remain closed until further notice.
“This pause will allow for a thorough review, and to provide support to those impacted,” said the City of Medicine Hat in a news release.
Echo Dale Regional Park is described on its site as a “hidden oasis” with a campground, bike trails, a boating lake and a swim lake.
Support resources are being provided to aquatic staff, first responders and others, and the city says it has reached out to community partners and local school divisions to ensure supports are available to youth and families.
“Our heartfelt condolences are with the child’s family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss,” said Joe Hutter, interim city manager, in a statement. “I can’t begin to imagine the grief this family is experiencing.”
The municipality said it’s working with authorities to review the incident and will provide updates when more information becomes available.
Echo Dale Regional Park also remains closed until further notice.
