Second young child drowns in Riverside County pool this month

A boy died after being found unresponsive in a Riverside County community spa on Monday, becoming the county’s second young child to drown in a pool this month.

According to the Riverside University Health System , a 4-year-old boy from western Riverside County was found in a community spa on Monday. He later died at a local hospital.

No other details were immediately made available, including the boy’s identity, city of residence and the location of the community pool.

“Such a tragedy serves as a reminder of how important it is to be careful when around water,” said Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Geoffrey Leung. “From a bathtub to a hotel pool or the ocean, all water poses a risk, especially for children. Providing close, constant supervision is the only way to ensure they are safe.”

The death is the second death by drowning in the county in the last two weeks. On July 6, a 5-year-old boy drowned in a backyard pool in Riverside.

According to the Press Enterprise , that boy was identified as Ivan Sanchez. The newspaper reported that he was wearing a floatation device when he died at a pool party, a death that was described as a “tragic, accidental drowning” by Officer Ryan Railsback, a Riverside Police Department spokesman.

As temperatures ramp up around Southern California, Leung offered the following tips for adults when supervising children at the pool:

• Designate a water watcher: If children are in or around water, a capable adult should always maintain close, constant attention.
• Take swim lessons: Enroll in swim lessons or survival float classes. First 5 Riverside County partners with several organizations across the region to offer free or low-cost swimming lessons.
• Read the rules: Pay attention to posted signs and follow the rules of the pool.
• Use the buddy system: Always swim with someone else, regardless of age or skill.
• Get CPR certified: CPR saves lives. Getting certified through the American Red Cross is low-cost, easy and available to ages 9 years and older.
• Stay sober: Avoid consuming alcohol and other substances when in and around water.

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