Toddler Drowns In Mission Viejo Rec Center Pool

MISSION VIEJO, CA - The Mission Viejo Recreation Center was temporarily closed following the fatal drowning of a 1-year-old boy, according to officials.

Orange County Fire Authority paramedics were called at 6:55 p.m. Sunday to the Sierra Recreation and Fitness Center, 26887 Recodo Lane, according to OCFA Capt. Tony Bommarito. The child was pronounced dead at a hospital.

"The center will be closed until further notice while the investigation is carried out," a statement from the city said.

According to the city, the child was with his parents and their friends at the pool when the tragedy occurred.

So far this year, there have been 18 drowning fatalities and 17 near- drownings at pools in Orange County, Bommarito said. Of those 35 cases, 15 involved children up to 4 years old, and in five of the cases, the victims died, Bommarito said.

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