NEWS

Drowning victims raise concerns about water safety

Madeline Buckley, and Kyle Neddenriep
Lifeguard Natalie Brooks, Fishers, keeps an eye on children swimming in the activity pool in the Waterpark at Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation's Monon Community Center on Friday, May 29, 2015. With the summer months ahead, everyone enjoying the water should observe water safety. Two persons have died in drowning incidents in the past week, one in an apartment complex pool and the other at Morse Reservoir.

A 12-year-old with a bright smile, Charles Obu-Darko sat with the girls at lunch at Eastwood Middle School. He was the clown of their table, teasing them and making them laugh.

The young boy, who had moved to Indianapolis from Ghana, struck up a fast friendship with his classmate, Sterling Stewart, her mother, Val Stewart, said.

There were language barriers, but the two friends found ways to communicate, whether it be horsing around at lunch or sharing a laugh in gym class.

"He just smiled all the time," Val Stewart said.

Now, the middle school students are struggling to grapple with Obu-Darko's death. The boy drowned Tuesday night in an apartment complex pool on the city's Northeastside.

UIndy basketball player Dai-Jon Parker, 22, drowned Thursday while on an inner-tube ride with a friend on Morse Reservoir. A 12-year-old Indianapolis boy also drowned on Tuesday, while swimming in a pool at an apartment complex on the city’s Northeastside.

His death, and the drowning death of University of Indianapolis senior basketball player Dai-Jon Parker on Thursday night at Morse Reservoir, underscores the importance of practicing water safety as the summer begins. Indy Parks is offering free water safety classes next month to educate children and their families.

Drowning happens quickly

In seconds, a child or adult can slip under the water unnoticed, with no flailing or splashing, experts say.

Statistics from the Indiana State Department of Health show that dozens die of drowning each year in Indiana, with 57 perishing in 2013, slightly down from the 69 deaths and 81 deaths in 2012 and 2011, respectively.

"It can happen in 60 seconds," said Therese McAninch, who heads the aquatics operations for Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation.

Among water safety tips McAninch offered were:

■ Parents should keep children 5 years old and younger within arm's reach at all times.

■ Older children and adults should always swim with a buddy. Younger children should always have parents, who are not distracted, watching them.

■ Everyone should wear life jackets in open water, and you should know your limitations and those of your children.

■ If someone is struggling in open water, don't jump in and save them yourselves. Call 911 and lie on your stomach and try to throw them an object to reach.

Family and friends of Charles and the 22-year-old Parker say they are mourning the loss of two young people who had bright futures.

'A smile on his face'

Eric Davidson, a 2014 Hamilton Southeastern graduate, was a teammate of Parker's for one season at the University of Indianapolis.

Like many of those who crossed paths with the Lawrenceville, Ga., native, Davidson said he'll remember his teammate's smile and positive outlook.

"Even if you were having a bad day, he could make you laugh at any time," Davidson said. "Every day, he'd have a positive outlook and a smile on his face."

Parker transferred from Vanderbilt University, which plays in the same Southeastern Conference program as national powers like Kentucky and Florida. But Davidson said Parker never put himself on a pedestal or even talked about his experiences at Vanderbilt unless he was asked.

"He never acted like he was above anybody else even though he played in the SEC," Davidson said. "He wanted what was best for the team at UIndy. He talked to me and the two other freshmen about keeping our heads up and staying focused. In practice, he'd be the one to pick us up and encourage us."

Davidson found out about Parker's accident through social media and later a text from a teammate. Coach Stan Gouard sent a mass text to the UIndy players, calling it the "saddest day" of his coaching career.

"He told us to be there for one another," Davidson said. "It's sad. Really sad."

Parker drowned Thursday night at Morse Reservoir after falling into the water while tiding an inner tube with a friend that was being pulled by a pontoon boat.

"The entire University of Indianapolis community mourns the loss of Dai-Jon Parker, a senior student-athlete with a vibrant personality who had a great future ahead," the school said in a statement. "This is a tragic situation for everyone involved, and UIndy is offering counseling and support to the people closest to him. Please keep Dai-Jon's family, friends and teammates in your thoughts and prayers."

Lemonade stands

Twelve-year-old Sterling Stewart is determined to raise money to help bring her late friend's mother from Ghana to the United States, if she wishes, Val Stewart, said.

Charles lived in Indianapolis with his father, she said.

Sterling talked to Charles on the phone on her way to soccer practice, just before he died, her mother said. The girl told her mother that she wishes she was able to tell him to stay away from the pool.

"They became very very close," Stewart said. "She is very adamant about raising money to get his mom here."

Charles touched the lives of many at Eastwood Middle School, before he died, Stewart said. A GoFundMe account set up to help the family with funeral expenses has already raised more than $9,000.

Eastwood Middle School principal Nathan Day started the fundraising effort, which has attracted many comments about the boy's kind nature.

"He was just a really nice kid," Val Stewart said.

Call Star reporter Madeline Buckley at (317) 444-6083. Follow her on Twitter: @Mabuckley88.

Water-safety classes

Indy Parks will offer free 30-minute classes by trained lifeguards June 10 through 12 at 18 sites across the city as part of its "Make-A-Slash" introductory water-safety program. Group and private lessons for a fee are also available for children and adults.

For more information about pool hours and swimming lessons, call (317) 327-PARK or visit www.indy.gov/aquatics or www.Indy.gov/SwimLessons.