Toddler Recovering After Near-Drowning in Family Pool

A 2-year-old boy is recovering after nearly drowning in his family’s backyard pool Monday afternoon.

About 2:30 p.m. the child, whose name was not released, was found in the pool in the 5000 block of Crescent Avenue, Fire Authority spokeswoman Kymbra Fleming said.

The toddler was breathing when he was taken to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital, Fleming said. He was later transferred to Children’s Hospital of Orange County in Orange, where he was in good condition Monday night, a nursing supervisor said.

Last year, Orange County led the nation in child drownings with 15 deaths and 20 near-drownings. So far this year, the county has had eight child drownings.

“The numbers are down, and certainly we’re pleased about that,” said Fire Authority Capt. Scott Brown. But “I would be elated to say we’ve had zero drownings.”

To prevent drownings, Mary Marlin, CHOC community education manager, said adults should work in shifts and have one watch nothing but children in the water at all times. In addition, she said, people should put barriers around their pools and learn CPR.

“Families cannot believe drownings can happen to their child. Drownings can happen to any child,” Marlin said. “The water does not care--it will kill the most wealthy person, it will kill the poorest person’s child.”