An investigation is underway after a Miami Beach Parks and Recreation camp leader reportedly drowned while watching over an event at a popular public pool.
Peniel Janvier was a recreation leader for Miami's Beaches and Parks Recreation Department. He was overseeing an end-of-summer event at the Scott Raikow Center.
“PJ was an extraordinary nice guy,” Adrian Muller told the local ABC affiliate. “I called him The Mayor because he could reach out to people. That was my little joke with him.”
The Scott Raikow Center is a popular place for exercise and summer camps. Janvier's drowning happened on August 16, the last day of summer camp.
“If they were aware that something bad was happening to him they would have leaped to his assistance,” said Muller.
According to the Miami Beach Police Department, Janvier was monitoring the kids in the pool during the event. He was observed in distress and several lifeguards and coaches took him out of the pool. Janier died on August 19.
“Extremely sad especially for kids to witness that,” said Muller. “Tragic.”
The City of Miami Beach released a statement, which read:
“PJ was an outstanding employee who truly left a lasting impact on everyone he worked with. His smile was contagious, and he cared deeply for the youth in our recreation programs. Miami Beach Police are actively investigating the events that led up to the drowning. In reviewing the circumstances with the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, no criminal charges are expected.”
