Mother Calls for Fencing Around Water Features at Disney Area Resort After Son’s Tragedy

Overview of the Drowning Incident

A tragic drowning incident occurred at the Westgate Town Center Resort, located in the Disney World area, involving a five-year-old autistic boy named Ashton. When he wandered away from their supervision, Ashton was vacationing with his family, preparing to visit the nearby Central Florida theme parks.

Emergency services were called to the resort around 10 a.m. after reports of a drowning. A bystander was performing CPR upon their arrival, but despite swift efforts, Ashton was pronounced dead at the scene. The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office has officially ruled the incident an accident. This heartbreaking event has sparked discussions about resorts’ safety measures catering to families with children.

Mother’s Call for Safety Measures

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Ashton’s mother, Lyonetta Taylor, expressed her profound grief and called for action to prevent similar incidents. Lyonetta described the unique challenges faced by nonverbal autistic children, explaining that her son was unable to cry for help or communicate his distress. She firmly believes that the presence of fencing around the resort’s ponds would have prevented Ashton from accessing the water. Lyonetta’s emotional plea has brought attention to the need for improved safety protocols at the Disney World area resort, emphasizing the necessity of creating secure environments for vulnerable children.

Resort Safety Protocols and Concerns

The Westgate Town Center Resort features numerous amenities, including pools, a water park, and several lakes and ponds spread across its expansive property. While the resort has CPR-certified staff onsite, critics argue that existing safety measures are insufficient, particularly for young children.

The absence of physical barriers around water features raises significant concerns. In light of this incident, Lyonetta Taylor and other advocates are demanding that the resort implement fencing around all water locations and provide lifeguards on duty at all times, highlighting the need for better protective measures for families visiting the resort.

Impact on the Resort Industry

The drowning of the five-year-old autistic boy has raised pressing questions regarding child safety standards in family-oriented resorts, particularly in high-traffic tourist destinations like the Disney World area. As heightened awareness of this tragic event continues to spread, industry experts predict that there will be an increased push for stricter safety protocols across various resorts.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for thoughtful designs that prioritize the safety of all guests, especially those with children requiring additional protection. Thus, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures to ensure that future visitors have a secure and enjoyable experience at resorts catering to families.