JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Investigators are working to learn what led to the drowning of an 8-year-old boy in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said he was swimming in a pool at a home on Buffalo Avenue just before 10 p.m. when he went under.
Officers said he was underwater for several minutes before he was pulled out of the pool.
He was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead, JSO said.
The boy is the fifth child who has drowned in the five counties surrounding Jacksonville this year.
“No matter how well they can swim, you never know when an accident is going to happen,” Chris Budke said.
He said he saw flashing lights outside his home Saturday night and came outside to find police and fire rescue at a home down the street.
“It’s sad. We’re not put on this planet to bury our kids,” Budke said.
According to the Department of Children and Families, 82 children drowned in the state of Florida in 2017.
To date, 56 have drowned in 2018.
“Just a minute and it’s over. It only takes a second,” Jennifer Desanzo said.
DCF said parents should watch children in the water at all times and avoid being distracted by cellphones and lengthy conversations.
The agency recommends kids ages 4 and older take swimming lessons and parents learn CPR in case a child does stop breathing.
While JSO investigates what led to Saturday’s drowning, neighbors say it’s a painful reminder.
“It’s just so sad. Just keep an eye on your kids,” Desanzo said.
Action News Jax reached out to DCF to find out if the agency is investigating the drowning.
You can read more water safety guidelines on the DCF website.
Cox Media Group
