WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A mother has been charged with child neglect after police responded to a near-drowning in the 4100 block of North Haverhill Drive in West Palm Beach.
On Friday, just after 5 p.m., the West Palm Beach Police Department (WPBPD) responded to a call about a possible drowning, where a 4-year-old was recovered from the bottom of a pool. First responders attended to the child, who was then transported to a local hospital.
The 4-year-old is now recovering.
However, police said the child's mother, Nytearia Thomas, 27, was arrested and charged with child neglect after witnesses claimed she was not actively supervising the child.
Online jail records show Thomas posted a $500 bond and was released from custody on Saturday at 10:34 p.m.
Frank Forestieri, the head lifeguard at the YMCA, says the best way to prevent drownings is to teach your kids how to swim, encouraging people to sign up for lessons at the YMCA.
And if that fails he says there should be another tool in your arsenal.
"CPR training," said Foresteri. "I think it should be a requirement in every school. Every student should have CPR training. Sure. You never know when it's going to happen.
WATCH WPTV'S COVERAGE BELOW:
On Saturday, a 2-year-old died after drowning in a pool in Boynton Beach. With more kids out of school and with access to pools right now, WPBPD issued these water safety tips:
- Always supervise children closely when they are in or near water — no distractions, including phones.
- Stay within arm's reach of young children at all times, even if they know how to swim.
- Install proper barriers around pools, including self-latching gates.
- Learn CPR — it can make a life-saving difference in an emergency.
- Never assume someone else is watching your child around water.
For more information on free swim lessons in West Palm Beach, check out this link.
