Phoenix, AZ – Toddler Fighting for Life After Being Pulled From 45th Ave Pool

Phoenix, AZ (May 18, 2022) – A 3-year-old girl who was found underwater in a pool at an apartment complex in Phoenix on Tuesday, May 17th is in extremely critical condition

The incident took place at about 6:30 p.m. on 45th Avenue in the area of Thomas Road. The captain of the Phoenix Fire Department said members of the toddler’s family found her underwater and not breathing. It was also reported that no one even attempted to administer CPR until rescuers arrived. 

Fire crews also experienced a language barrier as the family only spoke Swahili.

Paramedics loaded the child into an ambulance and transported her to an area hospital. 

It is unclear which of her family members was supposed to be watching her or how long she was underwater. 

Reports do not indicate if criminality is suspected. 

An investigation is underway.

Our thoughts are with the injured victim and their family at this time. We hope for their full recovery.

Liability for Swimming Pool Accidents in Arizona

Despite what Hollywood has led us to believe, a drowning victim is unable to splash, scream or shout for help. In fact, a drowning victim is nearly indistinguishable from anyone else in the water. 

Every year in Arizona, numerous serious swimming pool accidents, including diving and near-drowning injuries, take place. Where a swimming pool at someone’s home is concerned, the claims are typically paid by the homeowner’s insurance. Resort, motel, and hotel accidents are covered by their business liability insurance. 

Even if a sign is posted stating that no lifeguard is on duty, management has a duty to maintain a safe environment. 

Other fatal and serious drownings happen during the course of boating, diving, and water sports accidents.

Knowing what safety precautions an apartment complex is required to have in place can help make sure that your child is safe from drowning. Under Arizona law, swimming pools located in condominiums and apartment complexes are considered semipublic. These kinds of swimming pools are regulated by state and county laws and require the owners of the pools to follow certain safety measures, including:

•   Having safety equipment stored at the pool, including a shepherd’s hook on a 16-foot pole, and at least one ring buoy, or another life-saving device, with a rope attached 
•   Having a fence at least five feet high surrounding the swimming pool
•   Having a self-latching and self-closing gate that is at least four and a half feet tall and opens outward with any gaps in the fence being no larger than four inches wide
•   Keeping the pool’s water clean, free of debris, scum, dirt, sediment, algae, and slime
•   Having sufficient lighting so the entire deck area and swimming pool can easily be seen, even at night

If you or a member of your family was injured or killed in a swimming pool accident at a city pool, motel, apartment complex, or even a neighbor’s house, contact our Arizona premises liability lawyers to schedule a free and confidential review of your case with a member of our law firm as soon as possible.

Note: Our writer used outside sources in the creation of this post. These sources include local news reports, local and state police incident reports, social media outlets, and eyewitness accounts about serious injury accidents that take place in Arizona. We have not independently verified all of the facts surrounding this accident. If you find any information that is not correct, contact Saavedra Law Firm, PLC as soon as possible so that we can correct the post to reflect the most accurate information available. We will remove this post upon request. 

Disclaimer: This post is not a solicitation for business. None of the information in this post is intended to be medical or legal advice. If you have been injured in an accident, seek the help of a medical professional. The photo used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene.