Pool safety stressed after 2 toddlers nearly drown
We are following the second near drowning of a child over the weekend.
The first incident was reported Friday night in Indio when a toddler was found unconscious in a backyard pool at a home on Arlene Court, near Janet Avenue. Paramedics administered first aid and then rushed the child to a hospital.
The toddler was said to be in critical condition and police are still investigating how the child got into the pool.
A family member told KESQ and CBS Local 2 that the toddler is on life-support.
Officers are stressing the importance of closely supervising your children when they’re in the water.
The non-profit Splash Medics is also working to spread awareness and prevent pool deaths and accidents. The group of Emergency Medical Technicians and paramedics works with children and their families to help keep them safe.
“We’re teaching kids to always swim with a buddy, always have a grown up watching, no running and wearing your life vest. We send pamphlets in English and Spanish to parents,” said EMT Fawn Lawson.
Here are the ABCD’s of drowning prevention.
A- adult supervision, hiring a lifeguard at pool parties
B- barriers, perimeter fences and securing doggy doors
C- classes including swim lessons and CPR
D- devices, having life jackets and rescue tools
Poll: Is anyone in your family CPR certified in case of an emergency?
Another child is in stable condition Monday morning after nearly drowning in a backyard pool in La Quinta on Sunday. Cal Fire officials said they were called to the 54-000 block of Tanglewood Avenue, near the residence club at PGA West, at about 11:30 a.m.
Fire crews say the toddler was removed from a backyard swimming pool before they arrived on scene. The boy was taken to a local hospital in serious condition. No word on how he is doing Monday morning.
News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2’s Laura Yanez is looking into the details and she’ll have the newest information on News Channel 3 at 5 p.m. and CBS Local 2 at 5:30 p.m.
For more information about Splash Medics, visit www.splashmedics.org
For assistance and scholarships for swim lessons, infant swimming resources and pool fences, visit www.swimforgio.com
