Drowning Tragedy at Oak Mountain Park: CPR Urged

0:00It's March 28th. Welcome to Birmingham News Today, powered by AI. A three-year-old drowned at Oak Mountain State Park in Alabama, the seventh such tragedy at the park over the past five years. Neither of the park's beaches has lifeguards on duty. The child was pulled from the water on Thursday and first responders performed CPR before rushing him to Children's of Alabama Hospital. Pelham Fire Chief Mike Reed called these incidents heartbreaking, especially with young kids involved. He urges everyone to learn CPR and started immediately while waiting for help as it can be a lifesaver. Rescue dives in the park's murky lakes are tough, so Reed asks bystanders who see trouble to stay put and share the last known location of the victim. The park marks a swim area with bullies and offers free lifeests, but experts stress never swimming alone, keeping constant eyes on children, and signing up for swim lessons or CPR classes through groups like the YMCA or Red Cross to prevent the next close call.