On Friday, May 23, 2025, a tragic scene unfolded at Arrowhead Park at Lake Tobesofkee in Bibb County, Georgia, when three children were found unresponsive in the water. According to the Bibb County Sheriff's Office, all three children were pulled from the lake and transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
One child later died, while two others remain hospitalized. The sheriff's office has not yet released the children’s names or ages. The nature of their injuries and current conditions were not immediately disclosed. Investigators continue to examine how the incident occurred.
Lake Tobesofkee is a well-known destination for families across Middle Georgia, especially during holiday weekends and warmer months. Arrowhead Park, one of several public access areas around the lake, features beaches, picnic areas, and boat ramps.
Natural lakes pose numerous safety hazards that may not be visible or well-marked, including:
Drop-offs and sudden changes in depth
Murky water reducing visibility
Lack of lifeguards or designated swim zones
These factors can increase drowning risks—particularly for children—if safety protocols are not clearly enforced.
In public park and water injury cases in Georgia, legal responsibility may fall on the agencies or entities managing the property. Counties must take reasonable steps to ensure public safety, particularly in areas frequented by children.
Potential forms of negligence may include:
Absence of warning signs or hazard indicators
Failure to provide lifeguards or emergency response plans
Poor maintenance or oversight of recreational water areas
Michael Haggard, Esq., managing attorney of Aquatic Attorneys, has handled similar cases and advocates for families seeking answers.
“Public lakes are beautiful but can be deadly without proper safety measures. When tragedies like this happen, families have every right to ask: ‘Could this have been prevented?’” Haggard said. “Our firm helps them find those answers—and accountability.”
In incidents like this, families may pursue a wrongful death claim or personal injury lawsuit depending on the facts revealed during the investigation. These claims may help recover costs such as:
Emergency medical care
Funeral and burial expenses
Mental and emotional distress
Long-term rehabilitation or trauma recovery for surviving children
They may also prompt necessary reforms to protect other families from similar harm.
If your family has been impacted by a drowning or near-drowning at Lake Tobesofkee or another Georgia waterway, help is available. Aquatic Attorneys, led by Michael Haggard, Esq., offers experienced, compassionate legal representation to families affected by preventable water tragedies.
Contact us for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights, examine potential liability, and pursue justice for your loved ones.
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