< Back to front page Text size – +

Teen dies swimming in Attleboro reservoir

E-mail|Link|Comments () July 18, 2009 10:47 PM

By Michael Corcoran, Globe Correspondent

ATTLEBORO Ч A teenager died Saturday as he tried to swim with a group of friends to an island about 75 yards from shore in Manchester Pond Reservoir, police said.

Swimming is prohibited in the reservoir, which is part of the the drinking supply, but neighbors said the island is a popular destination for youths.

Police received a call from one of the swimmers at 5:33 p.m. after they looked back during their swim and saw that the teen had disappeared, said Sergeant Brian Witherell of the Attleboro police.

Emergency crews were dispatched immediately, and at around 7:08 p.m. two members of the Attleboro Fire Department pulled the teenagerТs body from the reservoir. Officials said the water where he was found was 12 to 15 feet deep.

ССThis is not a place for recreational swimming,ТТ Witherell said. ССBut this can be a problem, especially when the weather gets warm and kids want some kind of relief.ТТ

Police declined to identify the teenager as they continued to investigate. They said they did not believe alcohol was involved.

Neighbors said people often use the reservoir for swimming. Tim Mortimer, 46, who has lived nearby on Beagle Club Road for five years, said young people frequently hang out on the island.

ССI am a runner and I often jog about there. The kids have places where they like to go and party,ТТ he said. ТТYou can see the beer cans.ТТ

The area is open to joggers and walkers. Police said they often catch people in the reservoir, even though it is posted with ССNo SwimmingТТ signs.

ССI have been patrolling these waters for 28 years and this happens all the time,ТТ Witherell said. ССMost of the time we give them a warning depending on the circumstances, but today we had a tragedy.ТТ