Bradenton woman charged after 4-year-old drowns at pool party, police say

A Bradenton woman faces a criminal charge after her 4-year-old daughter drowned at a pool party on Saturday night, according to police.

Rosette Pierrecius, 32, is charged with child neglect causing great bodily harm, the Bradenton Police Department said in a news release Sunday.

Police say Pierrecius, her daughter and other family members were among a large group of people attending a pool party at Kendall Ridge Apartment Homes, 302 26th Ave. W., on Saturday night.

The 4-year-old girl was swimming when she slipped under the water, the news release said. Investigators say she was likely at the bottom of the pool for several minutes before she was discovered.

Officers were sent to the apartment complex at 9:10 p.m., the police department said. They administered CPR before EMS took the child to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Police arrested Pierrecius Sunday morning. Records show she is being held at Manatee County Jail on $5,000 bond.

The investigation is ongoing, the police department said.

“We grieve along with the community on the tragic loss of a child,” the agency said in the news release. “Sadly, drowning is the leading cause of death in America among children one to four, and drownings can happen even with many adults present.”

“Even when lifeguards are present, we cannot emphasize strongly enough the importance of a dedicated ‘water watcher’ to help keep our children safe,” the release continued.

Under Florida law, child neglect causing great bodily harm is a second-degree felony. If convicted, Pierrecius could face up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

This story was originally published May 10, 2026 at 11:56 AM.