A 2-year-old boy died in an Orange County swimming pool accident while under the watch of his grandmother the afternoon of August 18, 2010. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the accident occurred when the grandparent was watching several of her grandchildren including two mentally challenged teenagers at a home in the 12500 block of Safford Street in Garden Grove. The teens were playing in a backyard swimming pool enclosed by a wrought iron fence when the 2-year-old was in his own plastic pool outside the gate.


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Police officials believe the teenagers left the gate open when they got out of the pool to go into the house. Officials do not believe the toddler was supervised at the time. Family members took the child out of the pool and tried to resuscitate him, but were unsuccessful. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. An investigation is ongoing.

The Importance of Supervision

This is no doubt a tragic reminder of the possible consequences of leaving children unsupervised around a swimming pool. I offer my deepest condolences to the parents of this child. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

It is extremely important that you do NOT leave your infant, toddler or young children unsupervised - even for a moment. It takes just a few seconds for your children to slip under water. Near-drowning incidents often result in catastrophic injuries including irreversible brain damage. You can never be too careful, too vigilant or too safe. Remember, if a neighbor’s child or a child visiting your house drowns in your swimming pool, you could be held liable for the death of that child.

Liability Issues in Swimming Pool Accidents

These deaths and serious injuries are entirely preventable. There are many measured parents and caregivers can take. Always keep your eyes on the children who are under your case. Have several layers of protection around your pool. If you have a gate, keep it locked at all times.

If your child has been injured, or, if you have lost a child as a result of someone else's negligence, please contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer to get more information about your legal rights and options. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation to injured victims and their families.

Do you have a swimming pool in your backyard? What steps do you take to protect your children against drowning?

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