Toddlers in Critical Condition After Near-Drownings

Two toddlers were in critical condition from two separate backyard pool near-drownings, a county fire captain said today.

About 6:15 p.m. Saturday, in the Cowan Heights community of unincorporated Tustin, a 20-month-old boy wandered out to his backyard through a sliding glass door and was found by his 7-year-old sister floating in the backyard pool, said Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi.

The boy’s parents pulled him out of the pool, as the father performed CPR and the mother called 911, Concialdi said.

Arriving paramedics began advanced lifesaving measures and were able to get a heart rate back for the child, who was rushed in critical condition to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana.

He was then transferred to Children’s Hospital of Orange County in Orange, he said.

And at about 6:45 p.m. Saturday in Placentia, firefighters were dispatched to a home where a 17-month-old girl was found floating in backyard pool during a large family gathering, he said.

Paramedics rushed the girl, in critical condition, to Children’s Hospital of Orange County in Orange.

“Kids are attracted to water because the water is play time for them. Small children do not realize the danger,” said in an email. “These were two very sad and tragic calls for these families and everyone involved.

“With Southern California having beautiful warm weather most of the year, OCFA wants to stress the ABC’s of Water “Safey:

A: A is for Active supervision of kids anytime children are in, near, or around the water. Even when there is a large gathering and there are lots of people inside the house or outside by the pool.

OCFA will provide “Water Watcher Tags” . Please contact www.ocfa.org if you need more info.

B: B is for barriers. All pools and spas should have barriers to protect kids from getting into them. Pool fences and gates that latch and self-close are a must in every backyard around pools and spas.

C: C is for classes. All kids should learn how to swim. Also, teenagers and adults should know how to do CPR.”

OTHER PATCH HEADLINES

• Activists Put Judge on Notice that They Intend to Oust Him for Showing Mercy to Toddler Rapist
• Fire Engulfs Coto de Caza Classroom, Damages School
• Autopsy Does Little to Solve Mystery of Laguna Woman Whose Body Was Found by Caltrans Workers
• Watch: Pair of Great Whites Spotted Playing in OC Surf
• Burglary Suspect Shot By Police Following Struggle inside Fountain Valley Rite Aid
• Killer of Popular JSerra Student Gets Early Release from Prison
• Stubborn Fire Damages Seal Beach Restaurant and Spa

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.

Get Patched in! Sign up for free news alerts for your town.

ALISO VIEJO | FOUNTAIN VALLEY | LAGUNA BEACH | LAGUNA NIGUEL-DANA POINT |LAKE FOREST | LOS ALAMITOS-SEAL BEACH | MISSION VIEJO| NEWPORT BEACH-CORONA DEL MAR | RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA | SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO | SAN CLEMENTE