In a heart-wrenching incident at Lac de Bédanne in Normandie, a 12-year-old Moroccan boy named Hisham demonstrated remarkable bravery when he rescued an 11-year-old girl who was struggling in the water. On the evening of May 27, while enjoying the popular leisure site located south of Rouen, Hisham noticed the girl in distress and sprang into action, swimming out to her and bringing her safely back to shore. However, the events that unfolded next would leave a lasting impact on him and the community.
Once ashore, the girl informed Hisham that her father had disappeared underwater in close proximity. With urgency, Hisham alerted nearby security personnel and directed them to the location where he believed the father had gone under. Tragically, his warnings were dismissed, and instead of receiving help, Hisham faced physical resistance from an adult who attempted to silence him by pressing down on his head.
Approximately thirty minutes later, firefighters arrived at the scene and located the body of the 38-year-old man in the exact spot that Hisham had indicated. Despite the efforts of a SMUR emergency physician, the man was pronounced dead on the scene. Reflecting on the incident, Hisham expressed his sorrow, stating, "I was sad because if they had listened to me, we could have saved him," as reported by actu.fr.
Lac de Bédanne is known for its unpredictable depths and poor visibility, features that contribute to the dangers it poses to swimmers. The lake, a former quarry, has depths that can unexpectedly reach seven meters, making it perilous for even the most experienced swimmers. This incident isn't isolated; it echoes a similar drowning that occurred at the same location in the summer of 2024, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with swimming in such environments.
In light of the tragedy, Benoît Ster, a firefighter from SDIS 76, cautioned that during hot weather, people often overestimate their swimming abilities or their capacity to assist others in distress. Following the event, the site was temporarily closed but reopened shortly after with designated supervised swimming areas to enhance safety. Mayor Agnès Cercel commented on the situation, lamenting, "It’s terrible. There is signage everywhere, the site staff warn people, and despite all that they still swim. I understand that people want to cool off in this heat. But you have to be very careful." This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of heeding safety warnings and the potential consequences of ignoring them.
As reported by en.hespress.com.
