2-year-old drowns in pool at Wake County home

WENDELL, N.C. (WTVD) -- A 2-year-old boy died Tuesday after an incident in a pool at a Wake County home.

The Wake County Sheriff's Office said it happened at a pool in the backyard of a home on Gail Ridge Lane.

When deputies arrived Tuesday morning, the child had already been pulled from the pool. First responders immediately began to attempt life-saving measures.

The child was rushed to the hospital but did not survive.

"The entire Wake County Sheriff's Office extends our deepest condolences to the family during this tragic time. We stand with them and the community, providing any assistance we are able to as they navigate this profound loss," Sheriff Willie Rowe said.

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Summer Water Safety

As more people head out to the water this summer, drowning prevention tips are top of mind for water safety experts.

Local emergency responders expect to see an increase in water-related injuries as the summer months continue.

"Community pools are opening, the lakes are starting to become more popular, the beach is starting to become more popular," Wake EMS Vikki Huffman said. "So that's why we're probably going to start seeing a larger increase because of everybody being out."

The Big Blue Swim School in Apex opened up just in time, teaching Wake County families lifesaving skills.

"A lot of these children have never seen a body of water before, have never been away from parents before," Tatum Allen said. "So it's really important that we build their comfortability and their confidence in the water."

In just this month alone, there have been at least four reported drownings across the Triangle, including two young people.

This comes just three days after a 13-year-old drowned at Tucker Lake in Johnston County.

A GoFundMe that was launched describes the teen as an "incredible and cherished young man," who had the "biggest heart," and "sweetest loving spirit."

As of Tuesday, more than $10,000 was raised to help the family with funeral costs.

"It can happen to anybody in a split second," Huffman said.

According to Huffman, some drowning prevention tips include keeping an eye on who's swimming and using a flotation device if necessary.

"If you can't swim or know that you're not the strongest swimmer ... don't swim by yourself," Huffman said. "Don't go into any big currents, especially watch the weather."

Huffman said there's also safety advice for families who are waiting for first responders after a drowning.

"The biggest thing for people is to try to get that water up and encourage them to cough if they can and then do administer some chest compressions if needed," Huffman said. "Sometimes (that) can help with getting some of that water up and they'll start coughing it up and start breathing on their own. And then if they don't, then we can kind of come in and do some of our advanced airway stuff."