By Jon Johnson
GRAHAM COUNTY – A joyous church gathering turned tragic Saturday night when a 6-year-old autistic boy fatally drowned in a man-made pond north of Safford.
The incident occurred at an entertainment venue located off E. Doyle Cluff Parkway and Airport Road. Those in attendance had come to celebrate as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which commonly holds social gatherings for its members and others.
First responders were initially called to the scene at about 7:25 p.m. regarding a drowning. According to Graham County Sheriff P.J. Allred, the boy had entered the water wearing floaties on his arms, but he was later found in 4 to 5 feet of deep water without them. There were no signs of foul play or any other injury to the child.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) was performed by those at the scene and by paramedics from Lifeline Ambulance. The child was then transported to Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center, where he was declared deceased.
Allred said he believed this was the first drowning of the summer season, and he hopes it is the last.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-ryland
A GoFundMe has been created for the victim.
6 ways to prevent drowning
1. Get trained in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and basic water rescue skills
Parents and community members should learn how to respond in an emergency without putting themselves at risk. Check with your local emergency first responders, lifeguards, and swimming clubs or associations, which often offer this kind of training.
2. Keep watch over your children
Don’t rely on other adults or children nearby to keep an eye on children playing in, on, or around the water. Being attentive and watching what your little one is doing is one of the best ways to keep them safe. Do not be distracted by your mobile phone or conversation with another person. Be at arm’s reach when a child is in the water. If you lose sight of your child, call for help immediately.
3. Install barriers controlling access to water
If you have a pool, pond, or any other body of water near your home, consider installing a fence around it to prevent children from wandering in unsupervised. Other sources of water, such as wells, water containers, and cisterns, should also be covered to avoid unintentional falls. Empty buckets, containers, and portable pools after use. Keep toilet lids and doors to the bath and laundry rooms closed when not in use. If you live in a community with a public water space, consider speaking with your local authorities about installing a fence to keep everyone safe.
4. Provide safe places away from water
Community daycare centres help keep pre-school children engaged (and having fun!) while they are safely away from the water. Check with your local community to learn about the options available for your child.
5. Teach children swimming and water safety skills
One of the best ways to prevent drowning in school-age children (aged over 6 years) is to make sure they know how to swim. Schools, emergency first responders, lifeguards, and swimming clubs or associations often provide swim lessons for children.
6. Have everything you need for bath time
Before placing a young child in the tub, have all necessary items at hand so you can avoid leaving the child unsupervised in the water. Empty the tub after use.
Source: UNICEF
