The drowning of a teenager living in Warminster has revived debate over a decision earlier this year to eliminate lifeguards at virtually all state park beaches.

Eric Williams, 17, was swimming in Fuller Lake at a Cumberland County state park with a group of youths when he suddenly disappeared as they were getting out of the water around 4 p.m. Tuesday.

The teens were from the Valley Youth House, an Allentown-based center for treating at-risk youths. Williams was living at one of the center’s emergency shelters.

“The counselor went to look again and didn’t see the boy,” David Gilgoff, Valley Youth House president, said. Gilgoff said Williams was a good swimmer. Gilgoff said he could not disclose details about the youth’s family.  read more »