JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — One local 2-year-old drowned in a pool, and another child nearly drowned in a separate incident last week.
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According to the CDC, drowning is the number one cause of death for children between one and four years old.
Action News Jax Alexus Cleavenger spoke with a swim instructor who said adults failing to be attentive is a major factor in child drownings.
“It only takes two seconds for a drowning to happen,” YMCA swim instructor Rachel Mills said.
It’s a tragic loss to a family and community after two-year-old Westan was found face down in a pool and drowned last Sunday.
Related Story: What parents need to know about ‘dry’ and ‘secondary’ drowning
Action News Jax spoke with the GoFundMe organizer, who said the family is still grieving and did not want to speak on Friday.
According to the incident report, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office spoke with 12 people who were at the house when it happened.
They found Westan, laying face-up, receiving CPR, but after being taken to a local hospital, he did not make it.
Another near drowning happened on the same day. A 5-year-old fell into a backyard pool and was found face down in the water by his 12-year-old brother. The 5-year-old was taken to the hospital and did survive.
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According to the CDC, Florida is ranked fourth in drowning deaths.
