PHELPS COUNTY, Mo. – A popular swimming and camping site south of Rolla has made some changes after 6-year-old Noah Cook drowned last week.
According to Fugitive Beach owner Mark Kearse, beginning Saturday, August 2, all kids under the age of 10 must wear life jackets when in or near the water. Life jackets will be available to rent for $1. Some life jacket models may cost more.
Visitors will also no longer be allowed to bring their own alcohol to Fugitive Beach, though the SpeakEasy Beach Bar will continue to serve beer, wine, and cocktails. Kearse said this has nothing to do with Noah Cook's death.
"That way we can cut people off it we feel like they've had too much to drink," Kearse said.
Food, non-alcoholic drinks, chairs, and grills will still be allowed to be brought in.
Between three and seven lifeguards are on duty at any given time, but Kearse wants to remind people to keep any eye on their loved ones.
To read Fugitive Beach's complete statement, visit their Facebook page.
Meanwhile, police have not filed any charges in Noah Cook's death. His body was found about 40 feet from the shore in approximately 15 feet of water. Cook would have turned seven-years-old last Saturday.
