Near drowning prompts Port St. Lucie police to warn parents: Never leave a child unattended

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - The family swimming pool almost cost a 15-month-old little girl her life on Saturday. Port St. Lucie police say it’s a reminder for people to never leave a child unattended.

"If there hadn't been someone to do CPR, she wouldn't be with us today," said Port St. Lucie Police Officer John Fazio.

Officer Fazio wasn't sure he'd arrive at the family’s home on Nautical Avenue in time. Police say Little Nazaret Nolasco was found face down in the family's murky pool on Saturday morning and not breathing. Fortunately, a neighbor started CPR. Officer Fazio kept others back so she could continue the lifesaving technique. Fazio helped clear the child’s airway. Between the two of them, they saved her life.

"The little girl began to spit up. She was breathing and let out a cry,” he said.

The ambulance arrived just in time.

“I just picked up the girl and ran to the street,” he added. “I don't think the ambulance even had time to stop. We just jumped in and took off to St. Lucie Medical Center."

The little girl is now home with her family. The family declined to speak on camera, only saying they were thankful for the help that saved the girl's life. A similar incident happened earlier this year. Fortunately, that child survived as well; however, it was an actual drowning 18 years ago that prompted Port St. Lucie Police Captain Don Kryak to start his campaign “Never Leave A Child Unattended.”

"There is no safe amount of time to leave a kid unattended," Captain Kryak explained.

Especially, he said, when there are risks in your home.

"When the child is mobile enough to get into those risks,” he said, “that can be a second too long."

Kryak said he's not trying to place blame, only warn parents that there's no substitute for supervision when it comes to any area of the home, including the pool.

"Batteries fail. Kids can get out of water wings. There's a false sense of security for the parents," Kryak said.

The Never Leave Your Child Unattended Campaign aims to educate parents of potential dangers in the home. Most of all, Kryak says it’s a call for awareness to make certain someone responsible is always supervising their child.

To learn more about the Never Leave Your Child Unattended Campaign, click here.