West Fargo fire official issues child safety warning for city's retention ponds

(Fargo, ND) -- The West Fargo Fire Department community risk reduction officer is warning parents and children about the risks associated with retention ponds in the city. 

"Sadly in the past, since 2015 we've actually had five drowning (incidents) in the West Fargo area so it is something that happens," said Travis Olson. 

Olson said the ponds are not designed for swimming and said the ponds are "deceptively deep" and muddy. 

That makes it potentially difficult for children getting out of the ponds. 

Olson appeared on The Flag's "What's on Your Mind".