Former Antioch Student with Heart Condition Sues City, School District, and Water Park After Near-Drowning Incident

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A former Antioch Unified School District student with a heart condition is suing the city, school district, and local water park after he nearly drowned during a school-sponsored trip in 2019. The lawsuit alleges the student, Jayson Robinson, was allowed to swim despite written notice that he could not, leading to the incident where he was found unconscious at the bottom of the pool and had to be revived with CPR before being airlifted to a children's hospital.

Why it matters

The case highlights concerns over student safety and supervision during school activities, as well as the challenges faced by students with medical conditions. It also raises questions about liability and risk management for public facilities and school districts.

The details

According to the lawsuit, on May 28, 2019, Robinson, who has Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and a learning disability, was transported by bus from his elementary school to the Antioch Water Park for a school-sponsored activity. Despite written notice from his guardian that he could not swim, Robinson was allowed to enter the pool, where he was later found unconscious at the bottom. Lifeguards performed four rounds of CPR to revive him before he was airlifted to a children's hospital.

• On May 28, 2019, Robinson attended the school-sponsored trip to Antioch Water Park.
• On November 5, 2019, Robinson presented a written claim to the Antioch Unified School District for the injuries and damages suffered.
• On November 23, 2021, the First Amended Complaint for Damages demanding a jury trial was filed.

What’s next

The Antioch City Council will discuss the lawsuit in a closed session meeting on April 14, 2026. The outcome of this meeting could determine the next steps in the legal proceedings.