Bradenton police investigate toddler’s drowning death in vacation rental pool

A 15-month-old boy from Arkansas drowned Wednesday afternoon in a pool at a Bradenton vacation rental home, police said.

At about 4:15 p.m., a relative found the boy in the pool at the home in the 2800 block of 23rd Ave. W., according to a news release from the Bradenton Police Department.

According to police, the boy, whose name has not been released, was taken to HCA Florida Blake Hospital, where he died shortly before 5 p.m. The police chaplain went to the hospital to support the family.

The boy’s drowning appeared accidental, police said.

The investigation is ongoing. Further details were not immediately available Thursday morning.

Pool safety tips

At least 99 children died from drowning last year, according to the Florida Department of Children and Families. At least 25 children have drowned so far this year.

According to Water Smart Florida, an organization that teaches water safety, pool safety tips include keeping a close eye on children near water and receiving CPR training.

This story was originally published April 18, 2024 at 11:22 AM.