UNION--Bigelow State Park remains a popular spot despite the tragedy there Sunday in Mashapaug Lake.
A teen from Massachusetts, identified as Eliseo Santos of Southbridge, Massachusetts, drowned in the lake just three days shy of his 18th birthday.
Monday, visitors continued to pour into the park to enjoy the crystal clear water of the lake with swimming and other activities.
Stacy Boothroyd of Mansfield brought her daughters and her nieces. She says she discussed the drowning with the kids on the car ride over to the state park.
"It drops off pretty dramatically at one point so it's sandy and then there are big drops, and out there it's very deep," Boothroyd said. "Even if you think you're a strong swimmer, you always have to have a buddy and you have to have a float which we bring."
She added that no matter how strong of a swimmer you are, you can always slip and fall on rocks.
There are no lifeguards on duty at Mashapaug Lake, so it's swim at-your-own-risk.
