WASHINGTON COUNTY, Pa. — The drowning death of 12-year-old Rontae Lester has sent shockwaves through Washington County after the young boy lost his life while swimming with friends in the Monongahela River near Donora in May.
State Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Washington, is leading a multi-level conversation with state, county and local leaders on how to make the area safer and prevent future tragedies.
“Sharing our pain for the family and understanding this should have never happened — for a little boy to lose his life,” Bartolotta said.
One key focus is improving education about water safety. Washington County Commissioner Electra Janis emphasized that although Pennsylvania doesn’t have oceans for drownings, the risks in local rivers and parks are real.
“We do have a lot of water in our state parks and county parks, and the education isn’t there because this isn’t Florida — there isn’t an ocean. People don’t realize these things can happen here in our backyard,” Janis said.
Leaders are hoping to provide water safety education in schools, teaching students about hidden dangers like water temperatures, currents and drop-offs.
Another immediate step being taken is signage. Bartolotta said she personally ordered warning signs online while visiting the site.
“Literally as I’m standing there, I went on Amazon and ordered three signs — danger, no swimming,” she said.
Beyond signage and education, Bartolotta is seeking grant funding to build a proper launch point for water rescue operations in Donora, as the site where Lester drowned is also where local emergency crews access the river and right now it’s just a clearing.
While Lester’s death sparked the conversation, Bartolotta said it’s just the beginning. Leaders are also exploring ways to keep kids away from dangerous waters, such as building a community splash pad.
“Right now, we are talking about where the best place would be in this area for parents to access and walk to,” Janis said. “The nice thing about a splash pad is yes, they are expensive, but they will be there forever — and you can’t drown.”
Bartolotta is encouraging community members to get involved and share their ideas. Anyone with suggestions to improve safety at the river access point is asked to call her office.
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