An 11-year-old child has died of a suspected drowning during a field trip to a regional park near Medicine Hat, Alta., on Monday.

That led to a shutdown of pools across the city on Tuesday as the community grapples with the “tragic loss,” according to a statement from the City of Medicine Hat. The pool shutdown also allows city lifeguards and first responders to take part in grief counselling. 

“This pause will allow for a thorough review, and to provide support to those impacted,” reads the statement. 

“We recognize the profound effect this tragedy will have on our community, including students, families, and city staff.”

The Medicine Hat Police Service said its officers were called to a report of a missing child just after 2 p.m. on Monday at Echo Dale Regional Park.

That facility is a short drive northwest of town, where the city operates a swim lake with lifeguards.

Officers say the child was located at 3:30 p.m. and transported to Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. A later update from police said the child had died of a suspected drowning.

No further information is being released by police.

Impact ‘felt across our broader community’

The Medicine Hat Public School Division sent a letter to parents on Monday night and another on Tuesday, which included information about discussing grief with young children.   

“The impact of this incident is being felt across our broader community,” read the initial statement. “Many students, families and community members were present at the park, and others are hearing about the incident.”

Officials with the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education said that it was adjusting its schedule of year-end field trips, but would resume swimming activities scheduled for locations other than the lake when they reopen.

The lake at Echo Dale is closed until further notice, according to city officials, who also closed two indoor and two community outdoor pools on Tuesday.

More information was expected to be released at an afternoon press conference at city hall.

More to come.