Beachgoers swim at Lincoln Beach on Lake Pontchartrain with the city of New Orleans in the distance on Sunday, July 31, 2022.Photo:Michael DeMocker
Michael DeMocker
The child was attacked Wednesday while visiting the beach with family along Lake Pontchartrain, a New Orleans Emergency Medical Services spokesperson toldThe Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate.
The youngster’s age and the extent of their injuries weren’t clear.
CNNreported that the child had been taken to the Children’s Hospital of New Orleans and qualified as a trauma patient.
The New Orleans Emergency Medical Services did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
According tothe city of New Orleans’s website, Lincoln Beach is a 15-acre site that was established in the early 1900s and designated “as a recreational area for African Americans” before closing in 1964.
“Structures and facilities at Lincoln Beach have gradually deteriorated over time due to lack of maintenance and a barrage of hurricane impacts, causing unsafe conditions at the site,” the city said.
“Access to the Lincoln Beach site is prohibited; however, there is ample evidence of unpermitted and unlawful use of the beach,” the website added.
“Prior to being closed, the beach was accessible through a tunnel beneath the levee,” the city said. “The tunnel is currently fenced and filled with water and wildlife including alligators and venomous snakes.”
According to CNN, the city reminded residents on Friday of the dangers of the closed area, saying “Lincoln Beach is not safe right now.”
source: people.com
