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ICY WATER RESCUE: Concern over Pond

Updated: Saturday, February 9 2013, 09:45 AM EST
COLUMBUS -- Residents are worried about the safety of an apartment complex pond after a man died trying to save a child who fell through ice.

Rusell Jenkins died after diving into a pond at the Eastland on the Lake Apartments complex after a 5-year-old fell into the icy waters. The child was listed in critical condition as of Friday evening.

Tenants at Eastland on the Lake told ABC 6/FOX 28 they think there should be a fence or warning signs around the man-made body of water.
"Barricade this pond or shut this apartment complex down," Jenkins's girlfriend Alana Gamble said. "Because it's not safe for the kids out here."

Apartment complexes commonly include man-made ponds as flood-prevention measures. George Zonders, a spokesperson for the City of Columbus Department of Public Utilities, said any new development sites must provide storm water controls because ordinary pavement and new buildings don't allow for proper drainage.

"A detention area doesn't necessarily have to be a pond -- it can be a dry area," Zonders said. "It can fill only during rainy times, then slowly lets the water out."

Commonly used detention areas include porous asphalt, green roofs, creeks, and run-off basins. Apartment complexes often install ponds for aesthetic reasons.

According to the Franklin County Auditor's website, the Eastland on the Lake Apartments complex is in compliance with city code.

The complex's property manager declined to speak with ABC 6/FOX 28.

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Reporter: Jen French
Web Producer: Ken HinesICY WATER RESCUE: Concern over Pond