Incidents at water park remind parents to be vigilant

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Incidents at a Utah County water park are serving as a reminder to be vigilant when taking children and teenagers to swimming pools this summer.

Swimming pools are a place to relax and have fun, but Provo police Capt. Cliff Argyle says they've already had two reports of sexual abuse at the Seven Peaks water park.

In one case, police say the suspect, Wesley Thompson, kept getting closer and closer to two 14-year-olds in the wave pool.

"The victim stated that he intentionally reached out with his hand and grabbed her groin area," Argyle said.

The girl reacted, and Thompson said he was sorry and drifted off. Security was notified, and he was detained and then arrested for forcible sexual abuse.

Argyle says we all need to be vigilant at all pools and parks because this type of thing likely happens more than is reported.

A Seven Peaks security officer says they train their staff to look out for abuse, and they act immediately if any reports of abuse come forward.

E-mail: rjeppesen@ksl.com