Family members swimming in a backyard pool rescued a 2-year-old boy who nearly drowned Monday morning, Gilbert Fire Capt. Mike Connor said.
Fire crews were on scene at the home in 2 minutes, as the home on the 1000 block of E. Guadalupe Road was across the street from a fire station, Connor said.
The boy was in the pool with about eight other people and was wearing flotation devices when he somehow slipped out from them, Connor said. The child was under the water for up to 60 seconds.
Family members pulled the boy from the water. He was conscious and breathing on his own, but lethargic.
The boy was transported to Banner Desert Hospital as a precaution.
"Constant supervision is what we preach. It's really the only way to prevent these types of incidents," Connor said.
The incident marks the 11th near-drowning in Gilbert this year. One child has died in a pool this year.
In 2008 the town had 11 near-drowning incidents; eight involving children and three adults. That year, two adults died.
|
Reproduced with permission from: The Arizona Republic Nathan Gonzalez ©Copyright 2009 Arizona Republic |
| |