Community rallies support for girl injured during Ottawa YMCA swimming program

Ottawa area residents have shown their support for a girl who was injured during a swimming program Thursday at the YMCA.

A GoFundMe page, titled “Help Emberlynn’s Family Through Crisis,” was established that has raised more than $18,000 as of Monday for the family.

The girl was flown to Children’s Hospital in Peoria and “has a long road ahead of her,” according to the GoFundMe organized by Crystal DeLong.

Ottawa Elementary School Superintendent Michelle Lee issued a message to families in the district acknowledging there was a serious incident at the YMCA that involved a student.

“It was a traumatic event for everyone who were present,” Lee said. “We will provide support services for any student who needs or requests assistance. If needed, please contact your student’s principal.”

Lee also said all activities at the YMCA have been suspended indefinitely until the incident can be fully investigated.

The Ottawa YMCA issued a statement, saying the child was participating in a second-grade group swim class and was unresponsive in the water.

“YMCA lifeguards removed the child from the water and immediately began resuscitation efforts while emergency responders were called,” said Joe Capece in a YMCA statement. “EMTs took over care upon their arrival and transported the child to OSF.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with this young child, her family, and those who came to her aid,” Capece said. ”Making sure all children and adults are safe in the pool is a top priority. We are conducting an internal review to learn the facts about what happened in this incident. We will use the findings of this review to ensure our water safety measures align with best-in-class practices in order to best prevent an incident like this from happening again.

Capece said the community can contact him if they have questions or concerns.

The GoFundMe page said the student’s family will be by her side and the fundraiser asks for help in covering their rent, bills and whatever else they may need.