Family of Baltimore County drowning victim calling for review of swim club permit

The family of a man who drowned last month at Beaver Dam Swimming Club is calling on Baltimore County health officials to review the club's permit.

Michael Randle, 36, drowned on Aug. 17 at the Beaver Dam Swimming Club quarry in Cockeysville.

Randle's body was recovered after a two-day search of the quarry.

Emergency responders were called around 6 p.m. that Sunday to the 10,000 block of Beaver Dam Road after Randle reportedly disappeared in the water, according to police.

Thiru Vignarajah, the attorney representing Randle's family, said the health department needs to review the swim club's permit.

"Mr. Randle's death made him the latest drowning victim at the popular commercial swimming facility. Based on a preliminary review of drowning deaths at private facilities nationwide, including privately-operated quarries specifically, the number of drownings at Beaver Dam is conspicuous," the statement read.

Vignarajah said Randle's drowning was the fourth drowning death at the club since 2000. He flagged some points the agency should consider in an investigation.

"The training and adequacy of the lifeguards that were there, the availability and visibility of signs warning about the location, and the availability of life jackets," Vignarajah said.

The Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services said it received the letter from Vignarajah. A department spokesperson said officials are reviewing it for a response.

Pushing for safer procedures

Vignarajah said this is not about shutting down Beaver Dam but ensuring that it is following proper procedures to keep families safe.

"Our goal has never been to drive a popular swim club out of business, but you can't have a facility that falls short," Vignarajah said.

He also cited a social media post from an individual who criticized safety practices at the quarry, uploaded the day Randle drowned. 

Vignarajah said that, as he has been gathering evidence and speaking with witnesses, the family is still grieving the loss.

In a press conference with the family on Thursday, Vignarajah said family members weren't ready to speak, but they described Randle as a hard-working man who had just gotten back on his feet.

"He was becoming the anchor of their future, and it is hard to lose an anchor under any circumstances, but particularly under circumstances like this," Vignarajah said.

Beaver Dam Swimming Club

Vignarajah said he's reached out to the swim club and has been in communication with them.

According to its website, the club is closed for the season. It's expected to reopen in May 2026.

WJZ reached out to Beaver Dam and has not heard back.

Attempted rescue witnessed

Josh Bradds, who said he was visiting the quarry with his family, told WJZ he was about to help a struggling swimmer when he saw lifeguards rush to the water.

A fire spokesperson said a lifeguard also saw the man struggling in the water, tried rescuing him, but couldn't find him.