Teen Drowns at Framingham Pond Amid Lifeguard Shortage

A teenage boy, reportedly between 16 and 17 years old, drowned at Learned Pond in Framingham, Massachusetts, on Sunday after being pulled unresponsive from the water by first responders. Emergency crews, including a dive team, responded after receiving reports of a missing swimmer and performed life-saving measures at the scene and en route to MetroWest Medical Center, but the teen was later pronounced dead at a Boston-area hospital. City officials stated that no lifeguards were on duty at the time because of a staffing shortage, although some staff on site were certified lifeguards and assisted in the rescue. Signs warning of an unguarded waterfront had been posted. The incident comes amid broader concerns about water safety, following a recent drowning involving a young child in a nearby community. Authorities have expressed condolences to the family and commended first responders for their swift response.