Key Takeaways

• Two students drowned at a school pool in Bayonne, New Jersey.
• A new lawsuit claims lifeguards failed to act and lied to police.
• Families want answers and stronger pool safety rules.

On a summer afternoon, 19-year-old Chu Ming Zheng and 16-year-old Jack Jiang went swimming at Lincoln Community School. Sadly, both teens drowned in the school’s pool. In wake of their deaths, families have filed a Bayonne pool lawsuit. They believe lifeguards did not help when the teens were in danger. Moreover, the suit says lifeguards lied about what happened.

The Day of the Incident

Chu Ming and Jack arrived at the pool with friends. They seemed happy and ready to swim. However, witnesses say they struggled in the deep end. People shouted for help. Yet lifeguards did not act fast enough. Later, lifeguards told police they never heard calls for help. In addition, they said they did not see the teens sink. But videos and witness accounts contradict that claim. As a result, families believe lifeguards tried to cover up their inaction.

Key Claims in the Bayonne Pool Lawsuit

The families’ lawyers outline several points in the Bayonne pool lawsuit:
• Lifeguards failed to monitor the deep end.
• Lifeguards ignored calls for help from other swimmers.
• Lifeguards removed safety equipment before the incident.
• Lifeguards gave false statements to police investigators.

These claims paint a troubling picture. The lawsuit asks a court to hold the school and lifeguards responsible. Families say the school did not train its staff properly. They also claim the school cut corners on safety to save money. Thus, they seek compensation and new safety rules for all school pools.

What Happened After the Drowning

Right after the incident, police arrived with ambulances. Emergency teams tried to revive Chu Ming and Jack. Unfortunately, they could not save them. The community gathered at the scene, shaken and sad. In the days that followed, Lincoln Community School closed the pool. School leaders said they needed time to review safety procedures. However, families felt the delay showed a lack of concern.

Moreover, local media covered the story. People demanded answers from school officials. In response, the school board held a public meeting. Still, many felt the board’s explanation was too vague. They asked hard questions about lifeguard training, staffing, and equipment checks. Yet clear answers never came.

Families Seek Justice

Both families want more than apologies. They want justice for Chu Ming and Jack. Through the Bayonne pool lawsuit, they hope to:
• Learn the full truth about what happened that day.
• Ensure lifeguards receive better training.
• Make schools upgrade pool safety measures.

In addition, they want a court order to force strict safety rules across New Jersey school pools. Families believe no other child should face a similar tragedy. They also hope the lawsuit will push the school to make changes quickly.

Community Reactions and Support

The local community has shown strong support for both families. Neighbors held a candlelight vigil near the pool. They placed flowers and notes under a makeshift memorial. Many wore white T-shirts with Chu Ming’s and Jack’s names. In the weeks that followed, fundraisers helped cover legal bills and college savings the boys lost. Local businesses donated money and supplies for safety campaigns.

Also, a petition circulated online asking the state to inspect all school pools. Thousands signed it within days. The petition demands regular safety drills and surprise checks at every school pool in New Jersey. Community leaders hope this pressure will lead to swift action from state education officials.

Lincoln Community School’s Response

Lincoln Community School issued a written statement after the lawsuit was filed. The school said it “deeply regrets” the tragic loss. It promised a full internal review of all pool procedures. However, the statement did not admit wrongdoing. Instead, it said the school would “cooperate fully” with legal and regulatory authorities.

Parents, students, and teachers responded with mixed feelings. Some believe the school’s promise is a start. Yet others feel it lacks real commitment. They want to see clear steps, new safety plans, and proof that lifeguards will never be unprepared again.

Possible Changes to Pool Safety

The Bayonne pool lawsuit may lead to new rules. Lawmakers and school boards could require:
• Lifeguards to pass more rigorous tests.
• Regular unannounced safety drills for all pool staff.
• Updated safety gear and first-aid equipment at every pool.
• Public posting of lifeguard schedules and training certificates.

If these changes take effect, other school pools could become safer. Indeed, families in New Jersey and beyond will be watching closely. They want to ensure that no other community faces a similar tragedy.

Lessons Learned

This tragedy highlights key lessons for all pool operators:
• Constant vigilance is essential. Lifeguards must watch swimmers at all times.
• Training must prepare lifeguards for real emergencies. Moreover, they need clear protocols.
• Honesty matters. Staff must tell the truth to police and investigators.
• Communities deserve transparency. Schools should share safety records with families.

By learning from this case, schools can improve safety culture. Therefore, pool time can be fun and worry-free.

Looking Ahead

The Bayonne pool lawsuit is still in its early stages. Lawyers for both sides will gather evidence. They will interview witnesses and review videos. Eventually, a judge or jury will decide if the school and lifeguards were at fault. In the meantime, families, community members, and officials will push for better safety.

This story reminds us how important pool safety is. Everyone who visits a pool, young or old, deserves protection. As the lawsuit proceeds, people hope it will bring change. Above all, they want more care for swimmers. That way, tragedies like this one can be prevented in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does the Bayonne pool lawsuit claim?

The lawsuit says lifeguards failed to rescue the two boys when they struggled. It also claims lifeguards lied to police about their actions.

Why did families file the lawsuit now?

Families waited for investigations to finish. Now they want answers and stronger safety rules for all schools.

What changes could follow the lawsuit?

Schools might require stricter lifeguard training, surprise safety drills, and better life-saving equipment at all pools.

How can parents check pool safety at their child’s school?

Parents can ask schools about lifeguard training, safety drills, and equipment checks. They can also request records of past safety inspections. Source: https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/11/26/new-jersey-boys-pool-drowning-settlement/