Junior Lifeguard’s family files claim

The family of an 11-year-old junior lifeguard who died over the summer has filed a claim for more than $10,000 in damages.

Allyssa Squirrell was struck and killed by a rescue boat during a routine training exercise July 14 with the Huntington Beach Junior Lifeguards. The district attorney’s office ruled her death an accident, but 11 of her family members are asking for damages for personal injuries and emotional distress from the wrongful death, according to the claim.

The family is claiming her death was due to negligence by the driver of the boat, Marine Safety Officer Lt. Greg Crow. In a letter to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Senior Deputy District Attorney Ebrahim Baytieh said after reviewing the investigative reports and information, the case lacked enough evidence to file criminal charges against Crow.

“My decision is mainly based on the fact that there is a lack of evidence to conclude that Mr. Crow committed a crime since all the available evidence indicates that Ms. Squirrell’s unfortunate and tragic death was the result of an accident,” the letter said

Alyssa was participating in an exercise, called “speed drop,” where the Junior Lifeguards jump off a moving rescue boat to practice rescuing distressed swimmers.

— Britney Barnes