[metmom]

I remember our Baptismal font when I was a kid, there was at least one locked door to reach it and then another door to get to the water. Also the tank was empty when not in use.

Also, these days, people think nothing of children playing around the front of the church as if it were a playground.

If the tank was full for use and someone knew it, the church is also liable because they should have been more careful about making sure that didn't happen.

This poor girl is going to have to live with this the rest of her life.

Young teen means 13-14. Where were the parents?

[GeronL]

Where were the parents

That is the question that comes up a lot lately

[cva66snipe]

Some churches believe in Baptism as soon as one comes to the alter in public profession of faith. Thus the pool in such church would be kept full most likely. You can't just fill one up an hour or two before a Baptism. It would be like filling a bathtub of cold water and then laying in it. In rural churches on well water it really takes a long time to warm them at least 24 hours or more.

The doors to the pool may have been locked. Toddlers can climb though and there could have been choir seats which usually are right in front of the pool. The picture {mural} behind most of them would likely cause a child to be curious.