Child’s Drowning Becomes Wake-Up Call To Neighbors

Eric Rowe bought his above-ground pool two weeks ago. But now, he’s thinking of draining it.

“I’m already precautions,” he said. “But now, you know, it’s a big reminder of what can happen.”

What happened took place across the street. 3-year-old Erik Gonzales drowned Wednesday in his family’s pool.

“It’s just sad. I’m broken-hearted,” said June Pierce, who lived next door.

She feared a tragedy like this might happen.

“I worried about the family from the day the moved in knowing they had three small children and knowing there was a pool in the backyard,” she said.

Neighbors said the boy’s family moved into their home barely a month ago and described them as a very quiet family.

No one answered the door when a News Channel 3 crew knocked.

Eric Rowe said his 3-year-old son Jacob isn’t allowed to go into the pool alone, not even with his 11-year-old brother.

And although Eric protected the pool with a cover, he believes it’s not enough.

“I told [my son] the little kid drowned, and he’s not going to be here no more,” said Rowe.

Usually in child drowning cases, criminal charges such as child endangerment are filed. But, police determined Erik Gonzales’ death was accidental.

Aimee Schmitt with the Palm Springs Piranha Swim Team is spreading the message of water safety.

“Water is not inherently bad. It’s knowing how to not panic in the water and knowing the safety rules in the water. Kids when I talk to them think just getting their face wet could be dangerous,” said Schmitt.

Schmitt says one of the most important things parents can do for their kids is get them swimming lessons. But she adds lessons don’t guarantee safety — so there are some easy tips to remember.

“The ABCs of safety — always having an adult with you, always have a buddy with you, and checking for dangers and making sure your area is safe.”