Wellesley resident Trond Undheim, who spoke up at the Board of Selectmen meeting on Monday regarding the recent drowning at Morses Pond, has published an expanded explanation of his thoughts on how to best make use of human resources during an emergency situation. As Undheim stated during the meeting, he was at the beach that day and his efforts to involve himself and other adults on the scene in the emergency response were unsuccessful.

Undheim, a management expert who lectures at MIT, writes in part:

“I do not blame the lifeguards. The eight lifeguards I saw conducting water rescue were professional. I do not blame the first responders, police, firemen or AMR. I do not blame the Wellesley Town recreation department or indeed anybody else. I do not blame parents or the drowning victim’s caretakers. This was a tough situation, but nevertheless one we need to learn from.

I want to start a debate about the risks of letting our kids and youngsters swim and play at Morses pond. I also propose to change the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and missing person protocol at Morses pond to allow for volunteer efforts, in and out of water. Furthermore, I think that authorities, large and small, should listen to good ideas, regardless where they are coming from, even in a stressed situation. This is simply good practice.”

Another Wellesley resident this week made a plea for the community to show its support for the Morses Pond lifeguards and other first responders.

The town is using outside consultants to examine its Morses Pond safety procedures and the safety conditions at the pond, which is still closed to the public. Board Chair Terri Tsagaris said during the Monday meeting that public sessions will likely be held to give more residents a chance to share their thoughts once the consultants have done some of their work, and that an online venue for asking questions and getting information might also be made available.