DEMOREST — A 3-year-old child was taken to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta after a near-drowning incident outside Clarkesville Friday afternoon.
The possible drowning off Ga. 17 North was reported to the Habersham County E-9-1-1 Center at 1:36 p.m., and Habersham County Emergency Services and the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office were immediately dispatched to respond, according to Habersham County Emergency Services Director Chad Black.
“Initial reports were a 3-year-old male was found in a swimming pool, had been removed by a bystander, and CPR was in progress,” Black said.
When emergency personnel arrived, the child was out of the pool and was breathing on his own, according to Black.
“Personnel were advised the child was in the pool with numerous other children when others noticed him underwater,” Black said, adding they estimate the child was underwater for less than one minute.
Black said the mother used a combination of back blows and chest compressions that resulted in the child vomiting and starting to regain consciousness.
The child was taken by ambulance to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for further treatment and observation.
At last report, the child was in stable condition and still being evaluated, according to Black.
“Habersham County Emergency Services, Sheriff’s Office and 9-1-1 Center, with the first summer holiday weekend upon us, would like citizens to keep in mind the importance of water safety, especially when children are present,” Black said.
Those agencies remind everyone to follow these important tips when around water, no matter how shallow:
- Watch children when they are in or around water, without being distracted, and assure proper floatation devices are on for those who require them.
- Keep young children within arm’s reach of an adult and pay special attention when numerous children are in the pool or water at the same time.
- Empty all tubs, buckets, containers and kiddie pools immediately after use. Store them upside down so they don’t collect water.
- Close toilet lids and use toilet seat locks to prevent drowning.
- Keep doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms closed.
- Install fences around home pools and have safety toss devices for those who may become distressed.
- A pool fence should surround all sides of the pool and be at least four feet tall with self-closing and self-latching gates.
- Know what to do in an emergency.
- Learn CPR and basic water rescue skills to be prepared for potential emergencies.
Citizens can read and learn more important information, including water dangers and other aspects of children’s safety, from Safe Kids of Georgia’s website at safekidsgeorgia.org.
