MONROE COUNTY (WWJ) - A Monroe County campground announced it will permanently close a swimming lake on its property after two teens drowned in the last year.
The Monroe County/Toldeo North KOA campground located off Tunnicliffe Road in Petersburg announced the decision on Wednesday while stating other amenities and activities will remain open.
The closure of the swimming lake takes immediate effect, officials said.
"We understand this may impact out guests," KOA stated," Therefore, we're offering full refunds to guests who want to cancel their reservation between July 5 and September 4, 2023."
Almost a year ago, a 15-year-old Detroit boy drowned at the lake. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said the teenager, identified as Jaylen Christopher Hill, had been missing for about 20 minutes and was last seen swimming. Within minutes of arriving at the scene, a deputy diver found the boy underwater.
Hill was taken to Toledo Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.
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Just last week, on June, 29, an 18-year-old man from Pickerington, Ohio drowned after disappearing while swimming. As sheriff's deputies were en route, guests at the lake discovered the young man's body and pulled it from the water.
First responders immediately began life-saving measures when they got on scene, but the 18-year-old was pronounced dead.
According to the campground's website, the small lake on the property has no lifeguards on duty and guests are warned to swim at their own risk.
Prior to its closure, officials stated online that children 17 years old and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.