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I've been to Disney World a few times and knew that the lakes around Disney were man made. I actually never thought about them being lakes or if other lakes can feed into this lake. I do know the Everglades are further down south so I would think the risk of alligators would be significantly reduced in Orlando. I don't think I've ever seen one in my visits to Disney. I think it was an awful accident and something not many think about if you aren't from Florida. I'm pretty sure the family is devastated and internally (behind closed doors) are blaming themselves. They are (as anyone would) trying to look at everything and see where other blame can be held.

So sad. Thoughts are with the family. Sad sad week for Orlando.

@Truth Bombs: I agree completely. So many factors here made no sense to me. You area parent of 2 small children. You need to make smart decisions. Wading into a pond with no swimming signs at 9pm is not a smart decision.

Yes, the signage could have been more specific/explicit, given that there are people from all over the world staying at this resort. And perhaps they should consider fencing off the water or closing down that "beach" entirely.

HOWEVER. If a sign says no swimming, I'm going to not let my kid swim or play in it. It doesn't matter what the reason is. Any of the other reasons that have been listed here: 1-Dirty water? Not letting my kid play in it. 2-Strong current? Not letting my kid play in it. 3-Wildlife? Not letting my kid play in it. The sign is there for a reason, and if I choose to disobey the sign, then that's on me. End of story.

I saw this comment on a thread that freaked me out!!

I definitely thought this thread was about something else when I clicked it and I'm horrified and heartbroken for this poor family and child. It's literally gut-wrenching to think of what they're going/went through.

@elephantor: I'm with you, thinking "why didnt Disney put up alligator warnings?" Apparently, alligators are literally everywhere in Florida, so obviously Disney KNOWS there's a risk of alligators being in their resort bodies of water. Also, Disney is a global corporation and they have to know that people from all over the world are NOT going to realize that alligators could be anywhere. They should have posted signs about that danger. And, in regards to comments about false senses of security at resorts, well that is the point of resorts. Disney and other corporations specifically design these places to give the message: "don't worry about anything, we've got you covered!" It leads me to assume that alligator warning signs were absent purposefully because that would reduce revenue and *that* is why I think a lawsuit is warranted.

@bluestriped bee: I am not saying that I am a perfect parent. I don't think anyone is. This is sad and terrible. Should the parents have been letting the child play in the water? Not in my opinion but clearly they saw it as safe and harmless. They didn't access it as a risk. Does any of that mean they deserve all the blame? No but some responsibility does rest with them.

@bluestriped bee: I definitely made bad choices in the past (like swimming in a quarry, which is a BIG no-no). But that was me taking a risk with my body as a stupid college kid. I will also be the first to admit that I sometimes push the boundaries of "safety" with my kid - we barely child-proofed our house, I let D test his limits on the playground, etc. But there I'm not deliberately ignoring a posted sign.

I am empathetic and feel heartbroken for those parents. Whether they ignored the signs or not, whether I think it was right or wrong, it's a terribly sad situation. I cannot imagine going away on vacation with 2 kids and only coming home with 1. Awful.

@simplyfelicity: I know, just imaging it happen in my mind for both the parents and the child is absolutely horrifying. I don't think I would ever stop feeling guilty as the parent

@littlebug: I agree with all of your points.

If I see a no swimming sign, I'm not letting my child in the water, period.

But parents & the resort both have responsibilities here. If Disney knew alligators could be present this near to the beach full of families, they are obligated to warn people adequately. Wading and swimming really are not the same thing. And some people might have never imagined that a man-made "lagoon" adjacent to a beach that the resort welcomes families to could be attached to larger bodies of water or could have wildlife.

My husband and I played a golf course in Mexico & there were alligators everywhere - sun bathing, etc. Despite the obvious gators all around us, signs like this were also posted everywhere. Something similar should be at this place that clearly states the risks if they want to continue letting people use it.

I am not from florida, but the first thing I think of is florida=alligators and stay away from bodies of water, especially at night when they are awake and hunting. There also could have been snakes in the water. Its horrible though, that poor boy and his family.

@Adira:

Why do we need a thread 4 pages long trying to figure out who is to blame for every tragedy that occurs. I'm so sick of the news and discussing blame and what decisions we would make if we had been in a situation. *sigh* I think I'm done interneting today.

Ugh, I've been praying for that family this morning, I cannot even imagine.

What a horrible tragedy for everyone involved.

Given the news the past few weeks and the discussions on here recently this quote feels appropriate

@Mrs. Champagne: me too.

Every single parent on this board has had an Oh Shit moment - where you have let your guard down for a split second and your breath gets taken away when you realize what might have been. Sometimes it's realizing your child isn't buckled in properly after you've driven across town. Sometimes it's seeing your toddler chase after a ball onto the road. Sometimes it's giving your baby a too big piece of food that they choke on. WHATEVER. The point is, we all have had a moment like this and fortunately most of the time things turn out okay and we are able to agonize internally, thanking whatever power we believe that the worst didn't happen.

It must be awful to have your parenting judged so harshly, on such a public scale, during the absolute worst time of your life. I can't even .

@Adira: Oh I'm glad his body was intact and that he appeared to have drowned instead of mauled by the alligator. But still

@Boopers: So agree. I just keep coming back on here b/c I cannot stop thinking about it esp having been away from my baby all day!

Thank goodness his body was recovered for a proper burial. I cannot fathom going away and not returning home with my child. So very sad.

This is horribly tragic. I feel terrible for all involved but I echo @Mrs. Lemon-Lime: in that I am relieved to hear his body was recovered. What a nightmare - as a parent it is so humbling to read these stories lately and remember just what a treasure each moment is with your kids.

I know that everyone is over the "whose fault is it" line of discussion but I just had to say that we have a man made lake where my husband works and there are numerous signs around it that say "do not enter water, non potable" all the way around it. The other day I was there with my kids on a walk and we a saw dad with his two daughters RIGHT in front of the sign and he was letting them wade in and play in it. I thought the sign couldn't be more clear. So even with an improved sign at the resort and beach, something like this could absolutely have still happened. I tend to agree with those that think the parents messed up by letting their kid play in the water, but at the same time, I've also messed up as a parent so just acknowledging the mistake is as far as I will let my judgment go.

@coopsmama: since when does anyone drink water with their feet?

@coopsmama: I'm pretty sure I saw on one of my flights that the water coming from the airplane bathroom faucet was labeled as 'non-potable'. In this case, we were washing our hands in it. Non-potable means you shouldn't drink it. I know I've seen the sign at the fair around a porta potty.

Oh, I don't think swimming pool water is labeled as non-potable. I would never know because I don't own a pool or have ever filled one. This link is even saying in an emergency, you should drink pool water. http://preparednessadvice.com/water_purification/is-swimming-pool-water-safe-to-drink/#.V2Ha76hSa6A