Rescue workers help girl trapped in swing

A rescuer carries Samantha Schieda, 7, found herself stuck in... — A rescuer carries Samantha Schieda, 7, found herself stuck in an infant swing in Wantagh Park. Fire rescue personnel from the Wantagh Fire Department and Nassau County police, responding to an emergency call, used a gel-like lubricant to free Samantha. (Aug. 1, 2011) Credit: Jim Staubitser

By GARY DYMSKIgary.dymski@newsday.comAugust 1, 2011

Samantha Schieda, 7, got into an infant swing Monday morning along with several of her fellow summer campers at Wantagh Park. Trouble was, she didn't get out as easily.

Fire rescue personnel from the Wantagh Fire Department and Nassau County police, responding to an emergency call, used a gel-like lubricant to free Samantha, whose thighs became caught in the basket-style swing.

"She's OK, a little bruised and sore, but OK," said her father, Paul Schieda of Wantagh.

Among the several children who climbed into the bucket-style infant seats Monday, Samantha was the only one trapped, her father said.

She was transported by ambulance to Plainview Hospital, Wantagh Fire Chief Jeff Lindgren said after emergency personnel freed her in a matter of minutes.

They first used bolt cutters to cut the chain and remove the seat from the swing set, which was in direct sunlight, he said.

Once they got her cool and comfortable in the shade, they applied the lubricant to both legs and "were able to slide the child's leg out of the swing," Lindgren said.

Rescue workers freed Samantha Schieda, 7, of Wantagh, after she... — Rescue workers freed Samantha Schieda, 7, of Wantagh, after she became stuck in a Wantagh Park swing. (Aug. 1, 2011) Credit: Jim Staubitser

Samantha is enrolled in the county's Summer Recreation Program for children ages 5 through 12, which runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at four sites, including Wantagh.

Paul Schieda said he was upset because he thought counselors were not watching the children closely enough.

Nassau County Parks Commissioner Carnell Foskey said, "At the present time, I am reviewing the matter."

Paul Schieda said he got a phone call at his office in Westbury, and drove directly to the park.

Rescue workers freed Samantha Schieda from an infant swing in... — Rescue workers freed Samantha Schieda from an infant swing in Wantagh Park. (Aug. 1, 2011) Credit: Jim Staubitser

He said he was wondering how counselors could let the kids climb into baby swings "without saying anything."

Said Schieda: "They could have said, 'Hey, get down, you could hurt yourself.' "

The camp program ends Friday, according to the Nassau County website. Samantha isn't going back to the program Tuesday, and her father isn't sure what he and his wife, Teresa, will do.

Early Monday afternoon, he had yet to speak with county park officials but was considering it, he said.

"My wife and I are going to talk about it," he said.

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