Heroic Rescue: Five-Year-Old Girl Pulled from Drowning at Rancho El Dorado Pool

A 5-year-old girl is recovering after a near-drowning incident this morning in a Maricopa backyard pool.

The Phoenix Regional Dispatch received a call about a possible drowning shortly before 10 a.m. at a residence in Rancho El Dorado, according to Maricopa Fire and Medical Department spokesperson Monica Williams.

Family members retrieved the girl from the pool upon realizing she was in distress. Williams noted that her mother initiated CPR, and by the time first responders arrived, the girl was breathing and talking.

She was taken to the hospital, with responders feeling hopeful about her recovery. “Due to the proximity of their units, a Goodyear Fire Department Truck was dispatched alongside a Maricopa Fire/Medical Department Battalion Chief,” Williams explained.

Drowning remains a leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4 in Arizona. Statistics from the Children’s Safety Zone reveal that drowning incidents are of growing concern, especially during warmer months.

To prevent such tragedies, the Maricopa Fire and Medical Department offers several safety recommendations:

• Barriers and Alarms: Install four-sided fencing with self-closing gates and alarms to limit unauthorized access to pools.
• Water Competency: Teach children water safety skills as early as age 1. Consult with a pediatrician before starting lessons.
• Life Jackets: Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets around open water to ensure safety, particularly while boating.
• Emergency Preparation: Stay trained in CPR and rescue techniques to act swiftly in emergencies.
• Supervision: Always have a capable adult supervising children in or around water.

Effective supervision requires vigilant attention and proactive measures:

• Never leave children unattended around water.
• Keep children within arm’s reach of an adult.
• Use scanning techniques to monitor multiple children.
• Recognize the signs of drowning, such as a victim’s head being tilted back and mouth open at the water level.