Near Drownings in Arleta NR12292jr

A Strong Reminder for Swimming Pool and Water Safety

Los Angeles:  Within a period of about 70 minutes on Saturday, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) responded to two separate incidents of near drowning.

The first incident occurred in the 13400 block of Truesdale Street at about 5:30 p.m., when a 10 year-old male child, who did not know how to swim, entered a gated pool area and fell in an unattended swimming pool.  When discovered at the bottom of the pool and pulled from the water, the child was unconscious and not breathing.  LAFD medical personnel responded and resuscitated the child who was then transported to an area hospital where he was listed in critical condition.

Just over an hour later, a second incident occurred in the 14500 block of Tupper Street in Arleta.  In this incident, a six year old child was in a swimming pool with friends at a pool party when he was discovered face down at the bottom of the pool.  Swimmers pulled the child from the water and began a lifesaving effort.  LAFD personnel responded, continued the resuscitation effort and transported the child to another area hospital where he was listed in stable condition.

Two incidents about 70 minutes apart should be a strong reminder that a fun day in the sun can suddenly turn tragic.  Even a near-drowning incident can cause permanent injuries.  Drowning and near-drowning incidents are preventable.  Follow these simple tips:

• Provide constant supervision
• Ensure there is proper fencing around all pool areas
• When not in use, cover pools and spas with Safety Covers
• Equip doors, gates, and pools with audible alarms
• Drain should be covered with safety covers
• Enroll your children in swimming lessons as early as possible
• Be certified in CPR

A YouTube video about these seven tips and more information is available from the LAFD.

Captain John Romero, Commanding Officer, Mission Patrol Division and Lieutenant Mario Munoz, Commanding Officer, Mission Detective Division, are available to media personnel at 818-838-9980 and 818-838-9941.