Two separate, unrelated drownings, reported in different parts of the valley within hours of each other on Sunday evening, served as reminders to watch children by the water, officials said.
At 4:45 p.m., a three-year-old girl was found in the pool of an apartment complex near Broadway Road and Mill Avenue in Tempe. When the police and fire brigade arrived on site, the girl was given first aid.
At 5:30 p.m., a passerby reported seeing a young child floating in a canal near 55th Avenue and Osborn Road in Phoenix. The police immediately pulled a 3-year-old boy from the sewer and provided first aid.
The boy reportedly left his parents’ nearby home and fell into the canal, Phoenix police said. He was later pronounced dead in the hospital.
Tempe Police have not released any information about how the girl nearly drowned in the apartment pool.
According to official information, the girl was hospitalized in critical condition. Both incidents are still being investigated.
As temperatures rise this summer, fire departments in the valley are reminding parents and guardians that children in the water are increasingly vigilant.
On Friday, the Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department posted a short video on their Facebook page reminding the community that one drowning is too much.
Today’s near drownings were “very difficult to manage,” within a few days of the video’s release, said Deputy Head Andrea Glass of Tempe Fire Medical Rescue.
Tips for children and pools
Officials advise families with young children to use these tips to help keep them safe around pools.
Adult supervision: Always watch children swim or near a body of water. A child or toddler can drown in just 2 inches of water.
Barriers: Do not allow children to access pools – secure dog doors, open gates, open fences, and other means of access to water. Keep doors and fences locked and in good condition.
Classes: Learn what to do if drowning should occur by taking CPR and first aid courses. And make sure you and your kids can swim.
You can reach the latest news reporter Monica D. Spencer at [email protected] or on Twitter @monicadspencer.
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