UPDATE: Homicide investigators have release information that both 2-year-old female toddlers involved in two separate pool incidents have died.
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Investigators responded to two separate incidents in Katy on Memorial Day where children were found unresponsive in family pools.
One 2-year-old girl was found in a family pool at a residence in the 4900 block of Windcross Court. She was listed as extremely critical as of Tuesday. Family members located the toddler at around 5:40 p.m.
A 2-year-old girl was also found unresponsive in a family residence pool in the 3500 block of Paintbrush Dawn Court at 8:30 p.m. That toddler was transported in critical condition to a local hospital. Her status is listed as extremely critical as well.
With summer activities beginning in a few short days, the Harris County Sheriff's Office is urging parents to be aware of their children during outdoor water recreation.
Below are some pool safety guidelines:
- Secure your pool with appropriate barriers. Completely surround your pool with a 4-feet high fence or barrier with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Place a safety cover on the pool or hot tub when not in use and remove any ladders or steps used for access. Consider installing a pool alarm that goes off if anyone enters the pool.
- Keep children under active supervision at all times. Stay in arm's reach of young kids. Designate a responsible person to watch the water when people are in the pool-never allow anyone to swim alone. Have young or inexperienced swimmers wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
- Ensure everyone in the home knows how to swim well by enrolling them in age-appropriate water orientation and learn-to-swim courses from the Red Cross.
- Keep your pool or hot tub water clean and clear. Maintain proper chemical levels, circulation and filtration. Regularly test and adjust the chemical levels to minimize the risk of earaches, rashes or more serious diseases.
- Establish and enforce rules and safe behaviors, such as "no diving," "stay away from drain covers," "swim with a buddy" and "walk please."