The city of Passaic is now taking steps to prevent another tragedy after two young victims drowned in the Passaic River, according to ABC7NY. The move comes as the community mourns, with the two victims being laid to rest in the coming days.
Mayor Hector Lora told Eyewitness News that the city has purchased several life rescue buoys that will be placed along the river. The buoys are intended to give people and responders a way to help someone struggling in the water.
According to the report, the mayor hopes to have the buoys installed by the end of the year. It marks a concrete step by the city following the deaths that shook the community along the river.
The mayor framed the effort as one piece of a larger safety push. I think it would make a huge difference, he said, adding that it may not prevent every incident, but it provides one additional tool that emergency responders can utilize.
Beyond the buoys, Mayor Lora said he also wants water safety to be part of the school curriculum going forward. The goal, he indicated, is to build awareness among young people so the city is not left responding to another loss on the water.