Hire Lifeguards for Children’s Parties

Re “Police May Have Missed Boy’s Body,” June 5: With great sadness I read the story of the drowned 7-year-old boy. As a mother myself I can only imagine the horrible grief the family of Paolo Ayala must be feeling. I’ve been a house manager for a very wealthy family and have organized many children’s birthday parties. One was a pool party in which I hired two certified lifeguards to work the duration of the party.

In my experience it is not enough to count on parents, who often are taking care of their own children, or the house staff, as they too have many commitments. The lifeguards were hired to stay by the pool even when the children were off to another area. They left once all the children left, period.

Pool safety is nothing to be taken lightly. You can find certified lifeguards through your local swim schools, parks and even children’s party agencies.

Laurie Kilpatrick

West Hollywood