A child was flown to a Pittsburgh-area hospital Friday after a terrifying near-drowning in a backyard pool at a home in Nottingham Township, according to initial reports from local authorities. Life-saving crews rushed to the residential address, and the child was airlifted for further treatment.
According to WTAE, the Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the incident. Emergency dispatchers told the station the near-drowning occurred in a backyard pool on Pine Nut Drive in Nottingham Township. Officials had not immediately released the child’s age or condition, and a police spokesman told the outlet a statement would be issued soon.
Pool dangers and prevention
Drowning is a leading cause of injury-related death for young children, and many fatal and nonfatal submersions happen in residential pools, according to the CDC. To lower the risk that a backyard pool emergency turns deadly, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends layered protections such as secure fencing, constant adult supervision, swim lessons and CPR training, as outlined in Pediatrics.
What officials said
A Pennsylvania State Police spokesman told WTAE that the department is investigating and that more information will be released when it becomes available. Local emergency agencies had not provided additional public updates as of the initial reports.
Hoodline will continue to track official updates and will provide more details when authorities release additional information about the child’s condition and the circumstances surrounding the near-drowning.
