2nd boy dies this year after drowning in Riverside County

A 4-year-old boy died in western Riverside County after he was found unresponsive in a community spa, county health officials reported Thursday.

The child died Monday at a hospital in the area.

“Such a tragedy serves as a reminder of how important it is to be careful when around water,” Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Geoffrey Leung said in a statement. “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.”

This was the second fatal drowning of a child this year. A 5-year-old boy who was not a county resident drowned July 6 in a Riverside backyard pool.

Leung urged parents to remain alert when children are around or in the water. He provided these tips to help prevent drownings:

• “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.”

Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for children younger than 4 years old, and seniors over 65 years old have the second-highest rate of drowning fatalities, according to the Riverside University Health System. This year countywide there have been 55 reported drowning incidents with eight adult deaths.

“Drowning is often silent. Rarely is there splashing, screaming, or calls for help,” said Leung. “All drownings are preventable by adopting essential safety measures when around any type of water.”

To raise awareness on ways to prevent drownings, RUHS-Public Health this week launched “Water Safety Wednesday,” a Facebook and Instagram campaign consisting of water safety tips, classes and programs to help ensure a safe summer.

More information and resources are available from the Riverside County Water Safety Coalition at ruhealth.org/rivcowatersafety.