QUEENSBURY — The state Department of Health is investigating a near-drowning incident at Six Flags Great Escape Lodge involving a Hudson resident.
On Saturday, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office responded to the water park on a report of a 5-year-old child found unresponsive in the water. The girl, a Hudson resident, was transported to Albany Medical Center by a LifeNet helicopter.
She was reportedly in stable Monday afternoon, police said, following the incident, which was classified by police as accidental.
Six Flag Great Escape Lodge has 200 guest suites, and an indoor water park with eight attractions, including a kids play area, a lazy river, water slides, and a bodyboarding simulator, according to the Six Flags website.
The water park has certified lifeguards and emergency staff on site, Taylor Myers, communications and event manager for Six Flags Great Escape, said in a statement.
“Ensuring the safety and well-being of our guests is paramount to us, which is why we have certified lifeguards and emergency personnel on property,” she said. “Early Saturday evening, our on-site lifeguard and EMT team responded to a young swimmer in distress, providing immediate care. Emergency medical services were called, the guest was breathing when transported to a hospital for further attention.”
It is recommended by the Great Escape Lodge for children under 48 inches tall, as well as weak swimmers, to wear a life vest within the water park, according to the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge website.
The state Department of Health is investigating the incident, said Monica Pomeroy, state Department of Health public information officer.
“Drowning incidents at regulated bathing facilities in New York state are investigated by the local health department or state district office that permits the facility,” she said. “As such, the New York State Department of Health’s Glens Falls District Office is investigating this specific incident, however, we cannot comment further as this is an open investigation.”