Tragically, on Monday, a young boy was found unresponsive in a community spa in Riverside County and later passed away. This marks the second time this month that a young child has drowned in a pool in the county.
On Monday, a 4-year-old boy from western Riverside County was discovered in a community spa, as reported by the Riverside University Health System. Tragically, he passed away at a local hospital following the incident.
The authorities have not yet disclosed any further information regarding the incident. The identity of the boy, the city he belongs to, and the exact location of the community pool remain unknown at this time.
Dr. Geoffrey Leung, the Public Health Officer of Riverside County, emphasized the importance of being cautious around water in the wake of a tragic incident. He stated that all types of water, whether it’s a bathtub, hotel pool, or the ocean, can pose a risk, particularly for children. Dr. Leung stressed that providing constant and close supervision is the only way to guarantee their safety. This terrible incident serves as a reminder to us all.
In the county, this is the second instance of death due to drowning in the last two weeks. Earlier, on July 6, a 5-year-old boy drowned in a backyard pool in Riverside.
The young boy who passed away at the pool party has been identified as Ivan Sanchez, as reported by the Press Enterprise. Ivan was wearing a flotation device when the incident occurred, and Officer Ryan Railsback from the Riverside Police Department has described his death as a tragic and accidental drowning.
If you’re supervising children at the pool during the hot Southern California summer, Leung has some advice to help you keep them safe. Here are a few tips for adults to keep in mind when watching over kids at the pool:
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- Designate a water watcher: If children are in or around water, a capable adult should always maintain close, constant attention.
- Take swim lessons: Enroll in swim lessons or survival float classes. First 5 Riverside County partners with several organizations across the region to offer free or low-cost swimming lessons.
- Read the rules: Pay attention to the posted signs and follow the rules of the pool.
- Use the buddy system: Always swim with someone else, regardless of age or skill.
- Get CPR certified: CPR saves lives. Getting certified through the American Red Cross is low-cost, easy and available to ages 9 years and older.
- Stay sober: Avoid consuming alcohol and other substances when in and around water.