Boy Dies At Burlington Co. Camp After He Was Found Unresponsive In Pool: Prosecutor

MANSFIELD TOWNSHIP, NJ — A boy died Monday after being found unresponsive in a pool on the first day of summer camp, officials said.

The child, 6, was found unresponsive just before 2 p.m. at Liberty Lake Day Camp in Mansfield Township, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office (BCPO). A lifeguard pulled him out of the water, and camp staff initiated lifesaving measures.

An ambulance took the boy to Virtua Mount Holly Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, the BCPO said.

The BCPO and the Mansfield Township Police Department are investigating the matter, and the Burlington County medical examiner will perform an autopsy on Tuesday.

The child's identity has not been released.

Andy Pritikin, the camp's founder and director, informed camp families of the child's death in an email, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. The child became unresponsive during a swim period for the Freshman Division, which includes children entering first and second grades, according to Pritikin's letter.

"We are absolutely devastated and heartbroken," Pritikin wrote. "Our thoughts at this most difficult time are with our camper's family, friends and loved ones — and we are respecting their privacy at this time."

Four other children have drowned in New Jersey pools since Memorial Day weekend. About 1 in 5 drowning victims in the state are kids 14 and younger, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. Read more: 4 Kids Drown In NJ Pools In 2024 So Far, Reflecting Grim U.S. Trends

The state health department recommends the following drowning prevention tips:

• Swimming skills help. Taking part in formal swimming lessons reduces the risk of drowning among children aged 1 to 4 years.
• Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
• Life jackets can reduce risk.
• Supervise when in or around water.
• Use the buddy system.