Pool and lifeguard blamed for man's drowning

Lincoln Park Pool in East St. Louis and a former lifeguard are being sued by the surviving children of a man who drown on July 24, 2005.

Lauren Martin and Jacob Martin, Jr., through their mother, Laura Martin, are seeking in excess of $150,000 in damages from the East St. Louis Park District (doing business as Lincoln Park Pool) and lifeguard Terrell Cole, Sr.

Cole was fired after the incident, according to a lawsuit filed July 11 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

The suit claims Martin, who was 48, arrived at the pool at 4 p.m. on July 24, 2005.

"Terrell Cole, Sr. was on duty as a lifeguard at this time, yet was not near the pool," the complaint states.

"At some point, Jacob Martin, Sr. went into distress and was no longer able to swim without help. He attempted to grab onto another person's leg for help.

"The patron notified Terrell Cole, Jr., who in turn notified his father, Terrell Cole, Sr."

Cole then found Martin at the bottom of the pool, unresponsive, the complaint states.

It also states that Cole negligently failed to properly administer CPR.

The children are represented by Rodney H. Holmes of Cochran, Cherry, Givens, Smith, Caldwell & Singleton, LLC of St. Louis.