Just a moment out of sight…..

This is a sad reminder to keep a sharp eye out for children around pools.  Please be safe out there this summer.

On 06/09/2012 Serena Mae Earls, a 2 year and 10 month old toddler, was found in the deep end of the family’s in-ground swimming pool. The pool was located in the back yard of a residence located in the 14000 block of Mandan Road in Apple Valley.

A family member removed her from the pool and performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

The 911 call was made at 9:54 AM.

The child was transported to St. Mary’s Medical Center Emergency Room. Resuscitative efforts were to no avail and Earls was pronounced deceased at 10:55 AM.

The incident is being investigated by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

Sympathies go out to the family.

Important Facts:

  • In 2004, there were 3,308 unintentional drownings in the United States, an average of nine people per day.(CDC 2006)
    U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • In 2004, of all children 1-4 years old who died, 26% died from drowning (CDC 2006). Fatal drowning remains the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14 years (CDC 2005)
    U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • It is estimated that for each drowning death, there are 1 to 4 nonfatal submersions serious enough to result in hospitalization. Children who still require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the time they arrive at the emergency department have a poor prognosis, with at least half of survivors suffering significant neurologic impairment.
    American Academy of Pediatrics

  • 19% of drowning deaths involving children occur in public pools with certified lifeguards present.
    Drowning Prevention Foundation
  • A swimming pool is 14 times more likely than a motor vehicle to be involved in the death of a child age 4 and under.
    Orange County California Fire Authority
  • Children under five and adolescents between the ages of 15-24 have the highest drowning rates.
    U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • An estimated 5,000 children ages 14 and under are hospitalized due to unintentional drowning-related incidents each year; 15 percent die in the hospital and as many as 20 percent suffer severe, permanent neurological disability.
    National Safety Council
  • Of all preschoolers who drown, 70 percent are in the care of one or both parents at the time of the drowning and 75 percent are missing from sight for five minutes or less.
    Orange County, CA, Fire Authority
  • The majority of children who survive (92 percent) are discovered within two minutes following submersion, and most children who die (86 percent) are found after 10 minutes. Nearly all who require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) die or are left with severe brain injury.
    National Safe Kids Campaign

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