SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- The little girl who drowned in the churning waters of the Big Sioux River at Falls Park on Sunday was visiting the park with her family from Iowa.
Police Spokesman Sam Clemens identifies the five-year-old as Maggie Jo Zaiger from Audubon, Iowa. Clemens says the girl was reaching out to touch the thick foam that collects near the falls at this time of year, and fell in.
The thick foam is caused by phosphorous in the water and the churning action of the falls. City officials say there is really little you can do about it.
City Parks Director Don Kearny says there will be a safety review of this terrible tragedy to see what might be improved moving forward. He says there are good reasons why fencing may not be the answer. It came up during the safety review five years ago when two people drowned near the falls.
"They felt like it would impede public safety's ability to respond quickly, to have to remove fence.." Kearny also says that the reality is that kids like to jump fences so it could result in a false sense of security. Even so, Kearny says fencing will be part of the safety review.
Sioux Falls City Councilor Theresa Stehly says why not have temporary fencing during this time of year when the foam is the thickest, and post warning signs about the foam.
"It would be less necessary to have that fencing up during the summer time months, but I would be open to looking for something temporary."
Stehly is urging Mayor Mike Huether and City Council to support increased safety measures at Falls Park.