In Decatur, AL a three year-old child was found drowned in a residential pool located on the 1400 block of Fernway Circle SE. Decatur EMS responded to the emergency call. Efforts to resuscitate the child were unsuccessful. The child was pronounced dead at Decatur General Hospital.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding their investigation in to this tragic accident.
Toddlers are at the highest risk of drowning of all age groups. They do not have the developmental ability to swim, nor can they keep their heads above water, or know how to get out of water.
Young children can drown in very shallow water, including pails of liquid, toilets, bathtubs and baby pools. Drowning is the second leading cause of deaths related to injuries. Toddlers do not call out for help while in distress, they generally drown silently. According to the CDC, children between the ages of one and four years of age are more likely to drown in swimming pools and hot tubs. Mortality rates secondary to drowning are three times higher for males. Approximately 78% of drowning victims are male. For every child that drowns there are approximately five near-drowning episodes in children.
