Latest news with #drowningprevention
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Michelle Dewberry reveals terrifying moment when she dived fully-clothed into holiday pool to save her four-year-old boy - after lad drowns in Tenerife
TV Presenter Michelle Dewberry has revealed the terrifying moment she dived into a holiday pool to save her four-year-old son after he went under with 'fear in his eyes'. In a lengthy social media post, Ms Dewberry recalled the traumatic events in the aftermath of the tragic death of a Northern Irish boy of the same age. The media personality and GB News host, said her heart was 'breaking' for the 'poor family' of Edward James Watson Massey, from Co Down, who was found unresponsive on Thursday, May 22 in a pool in San Miguel de Abona. Ms Dewberry said today: 'I have a little boy who is also four. I don't usually share personal stuff about him, but this is important… 'A few weeks ago, we too were on holiday & my boy was in the pool. He was fully supervised by us, but one of his toys drifted out and he instinctively went to collect it. 'Unbeknownst to me, the pool depth changed steeply and my boy lost his footing. He immediately became submerged. 'I will never ever forget the fear in his eyes as he went under, unable to do anything else.' The 49-year-old then recounted how she jumped fully-clothed into the water to 'grab' her child with her dress becoming 'instantly filled with water' which 'dragged' her back. She said two lifeguards had come to help her too and that fortunately she managed to pull her son out in time. But Ms Dewberry added she would 'never forget the terror in his eyes and the fear in my heart'. Four-year-old Edward James Watson Massey leaves behind his parents Richard and Joanne and sister Victoria. Paying tribute, they said there lives would 'never be the same without him'. Emergency services rushed to José Miguel Galván Bello Avenue shortly before 5pm local time following reports of a child in cardiac arrest. Several hotel guests, including individuals who identified themselves as doctors, reportedly joined the rescue efforts in a desperate attempt to revive him. It's understood a nurse from the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC) provided CPR instructions over the phone while medics scrambled to locate a defibrillator Two advanced life support ambulances and a medical helicopter were sent to the scene. My heart breaks for this poor family💔 When I read this, I honestly thought 'there but for the grace of god go I'. I have a little boy who is also 4. I don't usually share personal stuff about him, but this is important… A few weeks ago, we too were on holiday & my boy was… — Michelle Dewberry (@MichelleDewbs) May 28, 2025 Despite the best efforts of paramedics, who carried out advanced resuscitation procedures, young Edward could not be saved. Reflecting on the events, Ms Deweberry said: 'As we come into holiday season, I beg all parents never to take their eyes off their children when they are in the water. 'I speak from experience now when I tell you these tragedies can literally happen in seconds. 'It's quicker than you would ever imagine. None of us deserve to go home without our babies and I send all of my love and best wishes to this family. 'I can't imagine what they must be going through right now. Truly devastating.'
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
One saved by chance encounter during Stanislaus water rescues, authorities report
A series of water rescues near Knights Ferry on Sunday marked the beginning of the unfortunate trend that often can come with summer. While on their way back from rescuing a kayaker in Knights Ferry just after noon, water rescue teams noticed someone floating in the Stanislaus River. The chance encounter may have saved the person's life. As rescue teams pulled the person out of the water and onto the shore, a dispatch from the county's regional 911 center reporting that incident went out over the radio, according to a Modesto Fire Department incident summary report. Medics and firefighters treated the person with Advanced Life Support Care. Within 15 minutes, the person began breathing on their own. An air ambulance was then called in to transport the patient. The Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office and a water rescue team decided to search for other people who might need help and found two other people. They reported no additional injuries. About two hours after finding the person floating in the river, the same water rescue team, along with other units, were called to the Horseshoe Recreation Area near Orange Blossom. The initial call reported that six people were clinging to a tree after their raft popped. When the team found the party, they discovered more people. Rescuers pulled eight — three adults and five children, from the river. The children were rescued first and then the adults. No one was injured. Water rescues and drownings increase as the heat turns up, with residents seeking refuge in the cold waters of local lakes and rivers. On Friday, the Modesto Fire Department reminded everyone that May is National Water Safety Month and provided the following safety tips that have the potential to save lives: Whether you're heading to a river, lake, or pool: ▪ Always wear a properly fitted life jacket ▪ Designate an adult as a 'water watcher' — someone responsible for actively supervising swimmers ▪ Avoid alcohol use while swimming or operating watercraft ▪ Use proper vessels when navigating rivers and avoid homemade rafts or inflatables 'Remember: The water may appear calm, but dangerous undercurrents lie beneath the surface — especially in rivers like the Stanislaus and Tuolumne,' read the post. Modesto Fire, Stanislaus Consolidated Fire, and Turlock Fire stations are stocked with free loaner life jackets for the public.
CBS News
25-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Nine water safety tips to keep kids safe in the pool this summer
You may be planning a dip in the pool or lake this Memorial Day weekend. Aquatic experts encourage you to take steps to make sure everyone is safe before going into the water. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages one to four, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Carly Drohan is the aquatics leader at Life Time Westlake. She urges people to take precautions before having fun in the water. "Make sure you're being attentive, and make sure we're keeping our eye on our children at all times and not in our phones," Drohan said. Drohan encourages parents to practice the 25-10 rule. The 25-10 rule "If your child cannot swim 25 meters, you should keep an adult that can swim confidently within about 10 feet of them at all times in case something were to happen," Drohan said. Make sure you have tools nearby in case someone starts struggling in the water. "Make sure that you're going to utilize the Shepherd's hook or the ring buoy that's going to be near any body of water that you're going to be playing in," Drohan said. Another tip is to use a mesh or foam life vest for your child instead of an inflatable one. "Inflatables could potentially pop and then create even more of a hazard if your child is going to be left with one arm in the water and such like that," Drohan said. Stay hydrated Drink enough water, particularly with electrolytes, and get your kids in swim lessons as soon as possible. "You can get your kiddos in swim lessons as young as three months old to at least get that water acclimation and safety skills built up so that by the time that they start to get a little older and more excited to explore the pool themselves, they're a bit more comfortable," Drohan said. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. "Always reapply when you're getting out of the water and making sure that after you're in the sun, using that aloe lotion and rehydrating the skin after you get out of the water as well," Drohan said. Wear bright or neon swimsuits since they're easier to spot in the water. Finally, get CPR certified in case you need to save a life in an emergency.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
Family pushes for pool safety reform after daughter's drowning death
The Brief The family of 5-year-old Thamar Esperance is calling for stricter pool safety laws after she drowned in an unfenced construction-site pool in Apopka in 2021. They recently settled a $10.5 million lawsuit and are now urging lawmakers to enforce existing codes and pass new protections. Florida leads the nation in child drownings, with heightened risks for children with special needs. APOPKA, Fla. - The family of 5-year-old Thamar Esperance is calling for stricter pool safety laws after she drowned in an unfenced construction-site pool. 'This was an easily preventable accident' What we know In 2021, 5-year-old Thamar Esperance drowned after wandering into an unfenced, water-filled pool under construction near her family's home in Apopka, Florida. Her family later filed a lawsuit against the construction company responsible, citing code violations. The case recently settled for $10.5 million. Now, Thamar's parents are advocating for stricter enforcement of existing pool safety laws and new legislation to protect children — particularly those with special needs — from similar tragedies. What we don't know It remains unclear how widespread the issue of unfenced construction-site pools is in Florida or how often such violations go unpunished. The backstory Thamar was described by her parents as a bright, loving child who had autism and required additional supervision. Her death occurred within seconds, according to family attorney Michael Haggard. The tragedy was deemed preventable, with the family and their legal team arguing the lack of fencing violated local safety codes. Though the family reached a financial settlement, they have since shifted their focus to public advocacy, turning their loss into a push for policy change. Big picture view Florida leads the nation in child drowning deaths, an issue exacerbated by the state's large number of residential pools and ongoing construction in suburban neighborhoods. Safety laws requiring protective barriers around pools already exist, but enforcement is often inconsistent. Advocates argue the risk is even greater for children with special needs, who may be more likely to wander or misinterpret danger. What they're saying The family remembers Thamar as bright, loving, and full of life. "Thamar was our first and our last baby girl," explained Betchine Amilcar, Thamar's mother. In 2021, they lost her when she wandered away from her home in Apopka and fell into a pool next door that was under construction, filled with water but without a required safety fence. "This is a violation of the law and local codes," said family attorney Michael Haggard. On Wednesday, the family stood outside the department of health to push for change. Amilcar said, "We stand here today for her & make sure no family goes through this again." Attorneys say the risk is even higher for children with special needs and warn that without action, more families could face the same devastating loss. "This was an easily preventable accident. It should've never happened," Haggard said. "This was a matter of seconds when this occurred." As the family grieves, they are channeling pain into purpose, hoping their daughter's legacy saves others. "We have piece knowing other companies will learn what happened and all pools are covered by fence," Amilcar added. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: The Source This story was written based on information shared by the family of 5-year-old Thamar Esperance and their attorney, Michael Haggard.
