Police investigating drowning at Sam Baca Aquatic Center
DEMING – Deming police are investigation the midday drowning of a City of Deming lifeguard at the Sam Baca Aquatic Center on Friday.
According to a preliminary report from the City of Deming, law enforcement personnel from the Deming Police Department, Deming Fire Department and Luna County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene within three minutes of the call coming in at around 11:30 a.m.
EMTs transported a victim to Mimbres Memorial Hospital, adjacent to the aquatic center, where the victim was pronounced deceased shortly after arriving.
As of Friday afternoon, city officials have not released the name of the victim or details on Friday’s tragedy. “As this is an active investigation additional details cannot be released at this time,” said DPD Chief Clint Hogan.
The center, located at 815 W. Buckeye (corner of Buckeye and South Eighth streets), officially opened for the summer recreational season on May 24, after being closed for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time of the drowning, the facility was closed to the public and staff were performing routine cleaning and maintenance, and preparing for the opening.
The facility is city-owned and operated and features a recreational pool, therapy pool, and a lap pool, with diving board. A 150-foot water slide empties into the recreational pool. There are also cascading water umbrellas and geysers in the recreational pool.
In March, the City of Deming posted job opportunities for lifeguards on its Facebook page and needed a minimum of 15 certified lifeguards to be staffed but was hoping to hire at least 20.
General swim sessions were from 1 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday through Sunday. The center closes on Mondays for routine maintenance.
“Today we lost an incredible young person who was far too young to leave this earth. I cannot put into words the sadness we are experiencing with this tragedy,” said Deming Mayor Benny Jasso. “The City of Deming will assist the family with their needs at this difficult time.
“I further pledge to dedicate all the resources available to find out how this tragedy occurred and what can be done to ensure that it never happens again.”
Bill Armendariz can be reached at 575-494-5059 or biarmendariz@demingheadlight.com.
This article originally appeared on Deming Headlight: Police investigating drowning at Sam Baca Aquatic Center
