JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 2-year-old boy was hospitalized Tuesday after being pulled from a pool in Jacksonville’s Mandarin neighborhood, authorities said.
First responders were called to the incident sometime Tuesday morning at a home along River Plantation Drive North, according to preliminary details released by the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the toddler was removed from a pool and taken to an area hospital. At last check Tuesday afternoon, the fire department said the child was listed in serious condition.
Although the child was revived, the incident serves as a reminder about the importance of safety around water including swimming pools.
According to records compiled by News4Jax, 20 children have drowned in pools in the Jacksonville area since 2016.
Statistics from the American Academy of Pediatrics show that 75% of childhood drownings nationwide involve male children. The group says teenage boys are 10 times more likely than girls to drown.
There are some steps parents and guardians can take to prevent children from drowning.
Water safety tips for parents
- Teach children basic swimming and water safety skills
- Make sure children wear life jackets when around water
- Place barriers, such as fencing, around swimming pools
- Ensure children are supervised when they’re near water
- Train with CPR techniques in case of a water emergency