Child pulled into water by alligator near Grand Floridian

[Uncleromulus]

I have seen people/kids putting their feet in the water many times. I never thought anything of it (besides the fact that I wouldn't do it because the water seemed stagnant to me). I'm sure a lot of people think the same thing. If you posted signs saying alligators might be around, I'm guessing that people would pay better attention. You'd also lose some business/attractiveness as far as family vacations go.

They just ignored the signs is what they did--

 

[msvlwb]

Alligators are like any animal in their habitat. They aren't usually waiting for humans.
I do worry about people feeding them intentionally or by having movies at the beach are there snacks left behind? I've lived on a canal off a larger lake and people fed marshmallows to the gators... Then small dogs started getting eaten from those yards.

 

[tink'smom2B]

If a gator can run as fast as a horse, what difference does it make if your ankle deep in the water or just playing in the sand next to the water? This just makes me sick and we don't leave until Sunday. So, so horrible.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Horrible tragedy. I can't begging to understand what this family is going thru.

Sadly many visitors don't understand that there are gators in every body of water in Florida. I've seen a few. Most notably in AK under Flametree lakeside seating area. I'm sure people feed them. Also at CSR lake.
There is a lot of wildlife in Wdw, I've seen deer, wild turkeys, snakes, always hoped to see an armadillo.

I can't tell you how many times I've seen children playing in the water right in front of the signs saying to stay out of the water. People ignore them. Just ask any boat captain on Bay Lake or Seven Seas Lagoon about gators. It's a large body of water and lots of marsh lands. Impossible to keep gators out. Disney does do a pretty good job considering this is the first incident.
Maybe signs do need to be more explicit. Shouldn't have to be. But people just ignore the gentle reminders to stay out of the water sadly.

Well stated--folks think the signs don't mean THEM.

 

[Magical Mama]

We have lived in FL for seven years now. Still get all excited when we see a gator. They are incredible species but we respect their ability as a predator. We have a lake in our backyard and have been out fishing when one pops up in the water, we all go inside. Take no chances. This isn't a zoo. These are wild animals. While I am devastated for the family. I can't even imagine the heartbreak they are suffering. Signs are posted for a reason. No swimming means no swimming. Why as a society are we now suddenly needing a reason for no swimming? We look to blame others and not accept responsibility. I'm sorry this happened. But millions of people have sat on that beach throughout the years and have never encountered gators. Use this as a moment to teach yourself and your children. Water in FL is where gators live and that needs to be respected.

 

[Luvamouse]

If the guests witnessed this why wouldnt they all be in the water trying to rescue this child? Only his father tried?

I'd like to think we'd jump in to help as well, but this isn't a human child predator people could overwhelm or chase or outnumber, but rather a terrifying, deadly wild animal. It was dark, gators move very fast and if they were at the edge of the water, I can only imagine the entire incident happened fairly fast. I feel so much pain for the family, but also for all the witnesses who are wishing they could have helped somehow.

 

[Eastern]

If the guests witnessed this why wouldnt they all be in the water trying to rescue this child? Only his father tried?

All the reports I have seen keep saying, 'there were no witnesses'. Only the parents.

 

[Magical Mama]

If a gator can run as fast as a horse, what difference does it make if your ankle deep in the water or just playing in the sand next to the water? This just makes me sick and we don't leave until Sunday. So, so horrible.

Splashing around in the water looks like typical food to the gator. They very rarely come on land to attack.

 

[HockeyMomR]

So sad. Prayers for the family.

 

[Eastern]

They just ignored the signs is what they did--

I think that comment makes them seem entitled or arrogant. To me, 'no swimming' means do not go into the water and swim. Putting your feet in the water is not swimming to me. Maybe the signs should say, 'do not touch or go near the water'. Those parents had no idea.

 

[Uncleromulus]

We have lived in FL for seven years now. Still get all excited when we see a gator. They are incredible species but we respect their ability as a predator. We have a lake in our backyard and have been out fishing when one pops up in the water, we all go inside. Take no chances. This isn't a zoo. These are wild animals. While I am devastated for the family. I can't even imagine the heartbreak they are suffering. Signs are posted for a reason. No swimming means no swimming. Why as a society are we now suddenly needing a reason for no swimming? We look to blame others and not accept responsibility. I'm sorry this happened. But millions of people have sat on that beach throughout the years and have never encountered gators. Use this as a moment to teach yourself and your children. Water in FL is where gators live and that needs to be respected.

Agree. Now there are warnings for every possible life event. Ever look at your car manual--page after page of things like "don't lie under the car when it's on a jack" and on and on. There was a sign on a local Coke machine saying not to pull it over because it might fall on you!!! A pack of hotdogs I got today had a warning that small kids can choke on a hotdog--common sense, but evidently not. There were signs at Disney that clearly meant (to me anyway) don't go in the water. How about adding "'because you might drown", or you might get cramps, or---

 

[DisFam95]

A simple no swimming sign is FAR different than letting your 2 yr old stand w his feet in the waters edge w you watching. I'm a strict rule follower and never would consider a simple no swimming sign meaning I could not do that.

If you're not from Florida - which being a TOURIST location most are not - you're likely not be thinking of gators.

If WDW was aware of gators in this lake then you are aware that this was a 100% possibility and should warn your guest (who are likely not from Florida and don't have gators in the back of their mind) "NO SWIMMING OR WADING" .

With gators, simply being at the waters edge is highly dangerous. That's where they attack.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Sorry--I disagree. And when this gets to court (as it certainly will) you won't want me on a jury!!

 

[Opie100]

For anyone here that's gone to movie night at the GF/Poly, how close is it to the waterline? And do the signs say no swimming OR wading?

 

[BagOLaughs]

Changing the wording on the signs wouldn't be the end of the world now would it?

Someone from Aus has stated that in the north of Australia they have signs in public places warning of salt water crocodiles.



Why not just copy similar wording in Disney? It wouldn't hurt. Also you have a lovely "clean" swimming pool, why do you want to go in the lake water anyway?

Fencing off the lakes would be a bit OTT in my opinion.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Changing the wording on the signs wouldn't be the end of the world now would it?

Someone from Aus has stated that in the north of Australia they have signs in public places warning of salt water crocodiles.

View attachment 175587

Why not just copy similar wording in Disney? It wouldn't hurt. Also you have a lovely "clean" swimming pool, why do you want to go in the lake water anyway?

Fencing off the lakes would be a bit OTT in my opinion.

My guess is they'll rope off all beaches and ruin the experience for everyone. And Disney will be deemed at fault--which they are not!

 

[Uncleromulus]

For anyone here that's gone to movie night at the GF/Poly, how close is it to the waterline? And do the signs say no swimming OR wading?

How far do you wade before you are deemed swimming??? Neck high??

 

[momof2cuties]

I don't understand how people could be so judgemental. I hope those judging never make a mistake. It changes nothing to point fingers.

This poor poor baby and his poor family. I am beyond sick just thinking about it.

 

[MaleficentRN]

My guess is they'll rope off all beaches and ruin the experience for everyone. And Disney will be deemed at fault--which they are not!

I'm thinking they'll close the beach after dark. No more movies. No more fireworks.

 

[Uncleromulus]

At least that--no doubt someone will propose they drain the Lagoon...