19-Month-Old Falls in Backyard Pool, is in Critical Condition

A 19-month-old girl fell into a backyard pool in Elk Grove Monday morning, and is in critical condition at a local hospital after being revived by fire and police crews.

Cosumnes Fire Chief Tracey Hansen said the department responded to the 8700 block of Cooperston Way after the girl's parents called 911 at 10:13 a.m.

"It appears to be accidental," Hansen said by phone. "The child wandered out the back door to the pool and was found in the pool by the parents."

When fire crews arrived, they found Elk Grove Police officers performing CPR on the infant, Hansen said. The fire department took over, and transported the child to a hospital, she said.

"There's no indication of any foul play or neglect in any way," Hansen said. "The child just got away from the parents."

In what appears to be a similar incident, over the weekend.

Hansen said the department encourages those with backyard pools to consider adding an extra fence, and not just relying on the backyard door to keep kids away.

Sliding glass doors can also be fitted with alarms to notify parents when they're opened, she said. Hansen also said early swim lessons can be beneficial.

Hansen guessed Monday's Elk Grove victim was only in the pool for a short time, and said parents need to be vigilant, as "it doesn't take long to get into trouble in a pool."

Correction: A previous version of this article misreported the gender of the victim. Elk Grove Patch regrets the error.