FGCU: Lakefront Beach where 2 children drowned not intended for public use

Michael Braun, Fort Myers News-Press
·2 min read
A small memorial has been placed on a beach at FGCU where two children 12 and under drowned Monday. A university statement said the beach is not intended for public use and there are no-swimming signs alerting to a sharp drop-off by the water's edge.
A small memorial has been placed on a beach at FGCU where two children 12 and under drowned Monday. A university statement said the beach is not intended for public use and there are no-swimming signs alerting to a sharp drop-off by the water's edge.

A sand-strewn beach area at FGCU where two children drowned Monday is not intended for public use.

The children, 12 and 7, identified by Fox4 as vacationing here from Atlanta, were pulled from the lake by emergency responders Monday afternoon and later declared dead. A family representative from Georgia declined to comment.

A beach setting at FGCU where two children 12 and under drowned Monday is not intended for public use, an FGCU official said Wednesday. No-swimming signage alerts to a sharp drop-off by the water's edge.
A beach setting at FGCU where two children 12 and under drowned Monday is not intended for public use, an FGCU official said Wednesday. No-swimming signage alerts to a sharp drop-off by the water's edge.

An FGCU official said the beach along the North Village shoreline is not a public access site.

"Lake Como is not intended for public use, and we don’t advertise its use to the public," said Pamela McCabe, coordinator of university communications & media relations.

A statement issued by the Sheriff's Office confirmed the deaths due from drowning at Lake Como and said despite the incident remaining an active death investigation, foul play was not suspected.

The Sheriff's Office said Wednesday that the drownings were a "tragic accident," that autopsy results remain pending and detectives were conducting a thorough investigation.

The lake, where the North Village of the FGCU campus is situated, also laps up to the Miromar Lakes community on 70 to 80% of the shoreline.

There was no information available if the children had any connection to FGCU.

Drowning reports: Two children in critical condition after reported drowning at FGCU's Lakefront Beach

Confirmed dead: Drownings: Children, ages 12 and 7, confirmed dead after struggling at FGCU lake Monday

Body recovered: Kayaker drowns in Estero River; FWC urges '360-degree awareness' while boating

Lee County EMS, Iona McGregor Fire Department Dive Team, and the FGCU Police Department assisted.

The FGCU Lakefront Beach is on campus in the North Lake Village and offers sailing, water sports and equipment rental, free to FGCU students.

The site is promoted in campus literature: "How many boast a lakefront beach on campus where you can kick back in a lounge chair or launch a standup paddleboard?"

FGCU President Mike Martin issued a statement Tuesday about the incident:  "Yesterday we experienced a tragic event on campus as two children drowned in Lake Como (North Lake Village). Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, and we thank the first responders from several agencies for their heroic efforts."

Connect with breaking news reporter Michael Braun: MichaelBraunNP (Facebook), @MichaelBraunNP (Twitter) or mbraun@news-press.com. 

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: FGCU drowning: Lake Como, beach area not meant for public access