Drowning Of 2-Year-Old Raises Fears Of Increasing Pool Tragedies In O.C.
LA PALMA (CBSLA.com) — Authorities said a 2-year-old girl drowned Friday in a backyard pool in La Palma.
It was the second drowning in Orange County this year, raising concerns of a second straight year of increasing drowning and near-drownings, an Orange County Fire Authority captain said.
The latest drowning happened about 3:30 p.m. in the 8200 block of Del Oro Lane, said OCFA Capt. Steve Concialdi.
The girl was with her family -- visiting from out of town -- and suddenly went missing in the house, Concialdi said.
"An older child found her her under water in the backyard swimming pool," he said. The pool was not fenced or alarmed, Concialdi said.
La Palma police arrived first and began CPR on the child. Orange County Fire Authority paramedics provided advanced life support all the way to the hospital, Concialdi said.
"Sadly, she passed away at the hospital," he said.
The 2-year-old was the second O.C. drowning in the first 23 days of 2015, Concialdi said.
There were 41 drownings and 44 near-drownings in 2014. That surpassed 2013 when there were 37 drownings and 36 near-drownings.
"We get them all year in Orange County due to the abundance of pools, the great weather and the beaches, Concialdi said. "Children are attracted to water. They think water is playtime. They don't understand the danger."
Concialdi urged all parents and adults to remember the ABC's of pool and water safety:
•A stands for adult supervision at all times.
•B is for barriers, including fences around pools and alarms at doors and gates.
•C is for classes, including CPR for adults and swimming lessons for children and adults.
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