A child drown after gaining access to a pool

The Lancaster Sheriff's Station deputies responded to a call for service of a child not breathing after a possible drowning.

The young child had gained access to a pool and despite CPR efforts made by family members, deputies and fire department personnel, the child passed away.

Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional deaths in children aged 1-4.

Nearly 300 children younger than five years old drown in swimming pools and spas

With summer in full swing and families near pools and bodies of water more often, we take this time to remind you to always keep safety in mind.

• Make sure your kids know how to swim.

• As a parent or guardian, learn CPR.

• Always remove portable pool ladders when not in use.

• Use self-closing and self-latching gates

• Install an alarm on the door leading from the house to the pool, something loud that will beep or chime to get your attention when the door opens

• Install a fence of at least four feet in height around the perimeter of the pool or spa

• We often speak about pools and spas, but don't forget water safety also covers bathtubs and lake safety including boats and jet skis. ALWAYS have your children wear a life jacket.

Our hearts go out to this local family and keep them in our prayers. We hope this awful tragedy will be a catalyst to other families to take safety measures TODAY. Keep those little lives safe and make sure your pool is safe.

Information provide by Lancaster LASD