Youngster nearly drowns in family pool
by Kathleen Stinson

NEW RIVER – At about 4:30 p.m. Friday, Daisy Mountain Fire Department responded to the near drowning of a two‑year‑old New River boy.

According to DMFD spokes‑man Capt. Dennis Tyrrell, the child’s 22‑year‑old sister found him floating face down in the family pool. The sister told rescue personnel she pulled the boy from the pool and immediately administered chest compressions and rescue breaths. The boy coughed up water and began breathing on his own.

When the emergency crew arrived, the boy was crying and responding appropriately, Tyrrell said. He was transported to Phoenix Children’s Hospital for observation and is expected to be fine.

DMFD is not releasing the names of the parties involved.

Tyrrell related that the boy’s sister told the crew she had lost track of the child, went outside to search for her brother and found him in the pool. She did not know how long he had been in the water.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the scene and took a report, but no charges are pending, said Doug Matteson, MCSO public information officer.

Even though the pool is fenced, access from the house through the patio was not gated.

“Although the situation had a positive outcome, most do not,” Capt. Tyrrell said. “Please watch everyone around water, especially children. Any water‑related death is totally unnecessary.”