Texas Accident & Injury News
Teaching critical skills can save your toddler from drowning accidents.
Two-Year-Old Hospitalized After Drowning in Apartment Complex Pool
According to a KSAT News report, authorities are investigating a drowning accident involving a toddler on the West Side.
Police reported the incident happened just before 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 23rd, at the Mira Vista Ranch apartment complex in the 1200 block of Mira Vista near Culebra Road. A two-year-old was hospitalized in critical condition after drowning in the apartment complex pool. Witnesses saw the little girl near the pool when the incident occurred. Police say it appeared to be accidental and are investigating the incident. No other information was provided.
A similar incident occurred last year when 2-year-old Amari Jobe died after drowning in an apartment complex pool on the North Side.
Did You Know?
Texas leads the nation in swimming pool drowning deaths.
How to Keep Your Toddler Safe from a Drowning Accident in San Antonio
Very few things are as enticing as the rippling water of a swimming pool to a curious toddler. And very few things are quite as dangerous for them to be curious about.
After birth defects, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take as a parent or caregiver to keep your child safe from a drowning accident this year. As we head into warmer weather and pool party season, it’s critical that we review these important safety tips that all toddler parents should know.
Tip #1 — Prepare and Prevent
It is estimated that half of all child drownings can be prevented by proper gating around bodies of water.
If you have a pool (even a temporary, inflatable pool), gate it off and keep it covered at all times when not in use. According to HealthyChildren.org, pool fences should:
- be at least 4 feet high and have no opening under it or between slats that are more than 4 inches wide,
- completely separate the pool from the house,
- and have a self-closing and self-latching gate that opens away from the pool, with the latch at least 54 inches from the ground.
Additionally, when you’re done with a bath, a bucket of water, or a bird bath, make sure to completely empty the water. Small children can drown in very little water and can fall and become stuck in these common hazards.
Tip #2 — Follow the “Touch Supervision” Rule
Whether in the tub or on a swimming trip, make sure your toddler is always close enough to touch when supervising them. During parties and picnics, assign a water watcher to follow this rule if you become distracted.
Regardless of supervision, toddlers should never be near a natural body of water without a life jacket.
Tip #3 — Get Swim Lessons for Your Child
Swim lessons can save your child’s life if they fall into water unsupervised. According to some studies, they also reduce drowning risks for children 1 to 4 years old.
When children are old enough to start varies from child to child. If you’re not sure, you can talk to your pediatrician for advice. Make sure to choose a reputable swim school with good ratings, and always be present at your child’s lessons, as children can drown at disreputable swim schools with negligent employees.
You can check out this resource from the U.S. Swim School Association for tips on picking a reputable school.
Of course, you can do everything right as a parent and still have your child injured in a drowning accident. When that happens, call Shaw.
Child Drowning Injury? Call Shaw!
If your child suffered a drowning injury at a swimming pool or water park anywhere in Texas, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Medical Bills,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Trauma/PTSD,
- Loss of Earning Capacity,
- Missed Work,
- And More.
We’ll help you find out if you’re entitled to compensation for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced drowning accident attorney in San Antonio. There are no fees and no obligations attached, just the expert legal advice you need.
Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name in San Antonio and across Texas for over 32 years because we put our clients first. We look forward to serving you.
Related:
How Trauma Impacts Children After an Injury