Toddler almost drowns in pool
MIDRAND - Arrive Alive reported that a two-year-old boy nearly drowned in Midrand on 2 January.
Netcare 911 paramedics reportedly responded to the call by the boy’s parents and found him in a critical condition. They started resuscitation as they travelled
to a nearby hospital and the boy’s heart started beating.
The boy was stabilised and airlifted to a specialty hospital for critical care.
Arrive Alive reported it was not known how the boy drowned and police were investigating.
@EmergencyCareT said this incident was the third in a time span of 40 minutes.
Arrive Alive issued warnings that most drowning incidents occur at residential swimming pools, and shared the following tips to prevent neglecting supervision.
q Supervise as actively as possible – whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm’s reach to provide active supervision
q Parents should avoid distractions when children are near water and give them all of their attention
q Even strong swimmers need adult supervision. Insist on life jackets for children who can’t swim.
q Parents should not only supervise but also advise on safety in and around the pool.
q Running on slippery surfaces is dangerous for everyone around. Someone could fall into the pool, accidentally push a smaller child towards water or hit the slick pool deck causing injury.
q Stay away from drains, filters and water intakes. Loose hair or clothing can get tangled in these structures, possibly trapping a child under the water.
q Teach children to swim. Most children can learn to swim at about age five, but know that swimming lessons won’t necessarily prevent a child from drowning.
q Remove toys from the pool – don’t leave pool toys in the water, as a child may fall into the water while trying to retrieve a toy.
