Drowning Child, 5, Rescued By Woman At Trumbull Pool: Police

TRUMBULL, CT — A bystander's quick actions saved the life of a 5-year-old Trumbull girl found drowning at a swimming pool in town Thursday night, according to police.

In a news release, Police Lt. Brian Weir said the child was swimming with her mother and another child in a community pool at the Ten Apartments on Oakview Drive around 6 p.m. when the mother turned away for a moment to assist the other child.

According to Weir, the girl ended up in the deep end of the pool, where she became limp and was face down in the water. When the mother noticed, she grabbed the girl out of the pool, however the child was blue in the face and unresponsive.

As the mother called 911, a Trumbull woman at the pool saw what was occurring and immediately stepped in to help by performing CPR and rescuing the girl's breathing. A short time later, the girl coughed up water and regained consciousness, Weir said.

When police and EMS officers arrived at the pool a short time later, the child was conscious, alert, breathing and being held by her mother.

The child was brought to Bridgeport Hospital for further evaluation and is expected to make a full recovery, Weir said.

"The Trumbull Police Department would like to remind everyone about water safety," Weir said in a news release, "and the need to take precautions when children are swimming at the beach or local pools."

Police also provided the following water safety tips:

• Never Swim Alone. This includes adults.
• Learn to Swim. Starting as young as six (6) months old, and adults as well.
• Learn to Save Lives. Parents should learn first aid and CPR, and always keep a phone ready in case of emergencies.
• Look Out for Others. Immediately call for help when someone is in trouble.
• Have a Life Jacket. Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets when near the water. Never depend on inflatable floats and toys.
• Make Sure the Water is Safe. Check to see if the water is clear, and that there is someone responsible to watch, such as lifeguard(s), or other responsible adults.
• Check the Pool. Make sure the pool has a secure fence, working gate, and a weight-bearing pool cover to prevent children from falling in.
• "Reach and Throw – Don't Go!" Never try to save anyone by jumping in yourself. Throw them something that floats, or use a pole to reach them.
• Never Dive in Shallow Water. Check for markings to determine the water depth. Do not dive if the depth is unknown.

"Obey all pool and water safety rules," Weir said. "Always remember, remain alert and observant around any body of water, especially when children are swimming. For any emergency, call 911 immediately."