A child was rushed to a hospital Monday after a near-drowning in the Oceanway neighborhood on Jacksonville’s Northside, according to emergency crews. Jacksonville Fire Rescue and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded to the call while medics treated the pediatric patient at the scene. Authorities had not released the child’s age or any update on the condition as of Monday afternoon.
According to Action News Jax, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department described the individual as a "pediatric patient" who was transported after a near-drowning, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office confirmed it was responding. The station reported that crews were being sent to the scene and said it would provide additional details as officials release more information.
Other recent water rescues in Jacksonville
Jacksonville has already logged several serious near-drowning calls this year. In early February, News4JAX reported that crews transported a pediatric patient with life-threatening injuries after a drowning call on the Northside. Later in the month, another toddler survived a separate near-drowning and ultimately made a full recovery, according to News4JAX. Together, those calls are a reminder of how quickly a brief submersion can turn critical for young children.
Statewide context: why Florida sees high child drownings
The Florida Department of Health reports that drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for Florida children ages 1 to 4. A House bill analysis cited 106 child drowning deaths in 2024 and 112 in 2025, figures lawmakers pointed to when expanding swimming-lesson vouchers and other prevention programs.
Prevention: what parents and caregivers can do
City guidance and public health groups call for constant supervision around water, secure barriers around private pools, properly fitted life jackets on open water and a designated "water watcher" whenever children are near water, according to the City of Jacksonville’s JaxReady preparedness guide. The American Red Cross and resuscitation experts also emphasize that bystander CPR and a quick 911 call can improve survival and recovery after a drowning event.
The Oceanway scene remained active while crews worked Monday. Action News Jax said it was sending a crew to the area and would update its report as officials release more details.
