A near-drowning incident prompts reminders for children safety

By: Rob Moore, AccessWDUN

A 3-year-old 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 E911 Center shortly after 1:30 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.

Black released earlier that the child was found in a swimming pool and had been removed by a bystander who performed CPR on the unresponsive child.

When emergency personnel arrived, the child was breathing on his own.

Black added that personnel were advised the child was in the pool with numerous children when others noticed him underwater; he continued to say that according to eyewitness testimonies, the child was underwater for less than one minute.

The child was taken by ambulance to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for further treatment and observation.

Black said that at last report, the child was in stable condition and still being evaluated.

Habersham County Emergency Services, Sheriff’s Office and E911 Center, would like citizens to keep in mind the importance of water safety, especially when children are present.

The following are important tips to follow around water, regardless 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; and, store them upside down so they don’t collect water.

Visit safekidsgeorgia.org for more information, including water dangers and other aspects of children’s safety.