Shortly before 7:30 on Wed. the 7^th of July, the Yuma Fire Department’s Engine 1, Ladder 1, Medic 1, and Duty Chief 1 responded to a report of a drowning in the 900 block of South 9^th Avenue. According to the family, the child had been swimming just before the incident occurred. The family had finished their outdoor time and went inside when they noticed the child missing. The 19-year-old sibling of the victim immediately searched the pool area and located the child underwater. After rescuing the child from the pool, he immediately began CPR. Upon arrival, crews found a 4-year-old child who was breathing on his own. Crews immediately started assessing and treating the child.  The child was transported in stable condition to a local area hospital for further evaluation.

The Yuma Fire Department would like to take a moment to highlight the ABCs of drowning prevention.

• A-Adult Supervision
• Keep an eye on children anytime near water. Including after pool time is over.
• B- Barriers
• Add child-proof pool fencing and alarms to help prevent children from entering pool areas.
• C- Classes      
• Learn CPR and first aid.

This near drowning is a reminder of the importance of bystander CPR. If not for the quick actions of the family, the outcome would most certainly have been tragically different.

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