On Monday, June 23, 2014 at approximately 2:30pm a five-year-old Greenwich boy nearly drowned in a private pool on Winthrop Drive, according to a statement from Greenwich Police Lt. Kraig Gray.
The boy had been in attendance at a small afternoon pool party. The party was attended by five mothers and their children. Eight children were outdoors in the pool area at the time of the incident ranging in age from 5 to 8 years of age. The victim was not wearing a flotation vest but had been using a “noodle” pool toy to stay above the water throughout the afternoon.
At the time of the near drowning, the mothers were inside eating lunch and watching the children through the window when the victim’s mother suddenly ran outside because she said she couldn’t see her son anymore. The boy was located below the water line in the deep end of the pool. When he was brought up to the surface he was stiff, appeared blue, and was not breathing. One of the mothers who had taken a CPR class took care of the child while 911 was called. The CPR trained mother continued for several minutes when the victim began spitting out large quantities of water. Shortly after GEMS personal arrived the child began to cry and breathe on his own.
According to Lt Gray’s statement, the child was taken to Greenwich Hospital were thankfully he was reportedly doing well.
The following is taken from the American Red Cross website:
Maintaining a Safe Environment around Your Home Swimming Pool
Millions of us enjoy warm weather every year by swimming in our backyard pools and relaxing in hot tubs. Tragically though, over 200 young children drown in backyard swimming pools each year. The American Red Cross suggests owners make pool safety their priority by following these guidelines:
• Secure your pool with appropriate barriers. Completely surround your pool with a 4-feet high fence or barrier with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Place a safety cover on the pool or hot tub when not in use and remove any ladders or steps used for access. Consider installing a pool alarm that goes off if anyone enters the pool.