Mayor outlines safety steps after 8-year-old's death at Pine Bluff Aquatic Center

Pine Bluff '026 '026 '026 — Mayor Vivian Flowers on Monday described a set of safety measures the city will take after 8-year-old Ariel Collins died in the whirlpool at the Pine Bluff Aquatic Center on June 10.

"The whirlpool has been emptied, cleaned, and repaired, and new mandatory training has been scheduled for lifeguards within the next 30 days," Mayor Vivian Flowers said, according to the city's statement reported on Teare 11's evening broadcast. She also said the city would "use all of the resources we have" to address any shortcomings at public facilities.

The city closed the aquatic center for 10 days while state and city investigators examined the incident. Police said the investigation remains open and that authorities are awaiting results from the state crime lab.

In addition to repairs and training, Flowers said the city plans to buy new safety equipment, including additional security cameras, metal detectors and improved lighting to enhance visibility at the facility.

An ordinance has been filed to return control of the aquatic center to the Parks and Recreation Department; the city board is scheduled to discuss that ordinance next Tuesday. The broadcast did not report a vote or further council action.

The mayor's comments and the ordinance filing mark the city's immediate administrative response; investigators and the state crime lab are still working on the factual determination of Collins's death.