A summer family gathering in Central Islip turned tragic Friday night when a 3-year-old Brentwood boy was found unresponsive in a backyard swimming pool, according to Suffolk County Police. Family members pulled the child from the water at a home on Bark Avenue and began lifesaving measures while waiting for first responders. He was taken by ambulance to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, where he was later pronounced dead.
Police said the child was discovered in the pool at about 8:15 p.m. Friday. Two relatives pulled him from the water before emergency crews arrived, Daily Voice reported. Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives have opened an investigation into the death. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6394, the outlet said.
Police Say Suffolk Has Seen a String of Recent Pool Emergencies
The Central Islip case is one of several pool incidents Suffolk County Police have handled in recent weeks. In a July 20 press release, the department said a 2-year-old girl was found unresponsive in a backyard pool in Mastic Beach and taken to Stony Brook University Hospital. That incident, detailed by Suffolk County Police, underscored how quickly unsupervised access to pools can turn tragic.
Huntington Woman Also Died After Backyard Pool Incident
Just one day before the Central Islip tragedy, a Huntington woman, Marcia Amarando, was found unresponsive in her backyard pool and later pronounced dead. Suffolk County detectives deemed that death non-criminal, according to Huntington Now. In that case, family members also pulled the woman from the water and began CPR before emergency crews arrived.
How Common These Tragedies Are and What Can Help Prevent Them
Emergency and public health officials say drowning is largely preventable but remains a leading cause of unintentional injury death for young children, and most drownings among kids ages 1 through 4 happen in pools. According to the CDC, layers of protection such as four-sided fencing that separates the pool from the house and yard, constant adult supervision, properly fitting life jackets, swimming lessons and CPR training can greatly reduce risk.
Investigators in the Central Islip case have not released the child’s name. Detectives said they will provide more details as the investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to call the Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad at 631-852-6394.
