Arizona toddler fighting for his life after neighbor spots him floating face-down in apartment pool

A 3-year-old boy from Phoenix, Arizona, was spotted floating face-down in an apartment complex pool by a passing neighbor, Martin Zaragoza. Zaragoza initially thought it might have been a doll or some other object, but he quickly realized it was a toddler. He immediately jumped into the pool to save the child before calling 911. The boy is now reportedly in serious condition at a nearby hospital.

According to Zaragoza, the incident happened on Friday afternoon, June 19. People reported that he was walking through the apartment complex on Colter Street near 11th Avenue when he noticed something unusual in the water. Zaragoza said, “I turned that corner and I saw something floating.” After realizing it was a toddler in the pool, he immediately rushed into the water and pulled the child to safety.

The father also collapsed

Zaragoza’s next move was to call emergency services. Around that time, the toddler’s father arrived at the scene and reportedly collapsed after seeing the condition of his son. The emergency response was swift and played a vital role in helping save the child’s life. Before first responders arrived, a dispatcher provided Zaragoza with CPR instructions over the phone. He says another bystander soon joined him to help until emergency crews reached the scene.

First responders reportedly found the toddler in very serious condition. The father, understandably distraught, was also taken to the hospital as a precaution after collapsing. There have been multiple drowning incidents involving children in recent months, and parents have understandably grown increasingly anxious about the risks associated with pools and open water.

The Phoenix Fire Department announced that it would conduct follow-up investigations into the incident. Authorities will seek answers regarding how the toddler gained access to the pool unsupervised. In cases like this, investigators may also examine whether the pool complied with applicable safety and zoning regulations during its construction. After all, the primary goal moving forward is to prevent a similar tragedy from happening again.

945 children die from drowning each year

As summer officially begins, more families will head to swimming pools to escape the heat. However, those activities come with their own dangers. According to the Children’s Safety Network, approximately 945 children die from drowning each year. Additionally, for every child who drowns, five more receive treatment for near-drowning incidents. The organization states, “In the most severe cases, near drowning may lead to brain damage, memory problems, learning disabilities, and permanent loss of basic functioning (vegetative state).”

The organization urges families to focus on prevention. First and foremost, children should receive swimming lessons whenever possible. Parents should also ensure that children wear life jackets around water when appropriate. On boats, life jackets are mandatory. Families are encouraged to use life jackets approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and make sure they are properly secured. The final precaution is one that falls on the entire community: pools should be properly fenced, and toddlers near the water should always be supervised.

As of now, authorities have not provided an update on the condition of the toddler who was rescued by Zaragoza.