WASHINGTON D.C., DC — The family of 21-year-old Jazmin Jefferson is asking D.C. officials for answers after she fell into the Roosevelt Pool in Petworth while she was working as a lifeguard on November 29.
Her father, Julius Jefferson, tells WUSA9 that Jazmin had been an active swimmer since she was very young, but she went into cardiac arrest and fell into the water. Now, he wants to make sure this doesn't happen to any other family in DC.
Julius Jefferson says one of the other lifeguards on duty at the time was on front desk duty, and another one was fixing the pool pump at the time that Jazmin fell into the pool.
"Safety is a big issue and I’m very angry that there was no one to save Jazmin as she lay in the water for seven minutes," he explained. "No one to save her. If she fell in the water, and someone would’ve pulled her out in thirty seconds, we wouldn’t be having this interview right now."
In a statement DC Parks and Recreation officials said:
"As part of DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) emergency action plan (EAP), DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS) were contacted. DPR lifeguards assessed the employee and rendered immediate care until DC FEMS arrived and provided additional emergency care to the employee. There were no patrons at the facility and Roosevelt was fully staffed during the time of this incident. Roosevelt operates with a minimum of three pool operators to maintain pool chemistry and rescue duties."
Julius Jefferson says his daughter spent three weeks in the intensive care unit at Howard University Hospital before she passed away on December 23.
Julius Jefferson said Jazmin had just become a contracted employee and was so excited that she bought tickets to see the Nutcracker at The Kennedy Center for her mother and older sister Jade on November 30, just one day after she fell into the pool.
"She loved doing things like that," said Julius.
"It’s a lot of sadness," said Jazmin's older sister Jade, "and still some shock. But also I think a lot of anger towards the situation as a whole."
"I do think this situation was very preventable," she said.
WUSA9 reached out to DC Parks and Recreation. Director Thennie Freeman responded, saying:
"We send our heartfelt condolences to the Jefferson family over the passing of Jazmin Jefferson. Jazmin was a valued employee, exceptional colleague and dear friend. She will truly be missed. This shocking and unexpected incident has been felt throughout the entire agency. There are simply no words! We have made grief counseling available to our staff and remain in contact with the family. Our hearts and prayers continue to be with the Jefferson family, DPR colleagues and guests during this time.”
The family tells WUSA9 that it is thanking all those who have expressed their thoughts, prayers and condolences and sympathy during this very difficult time.
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