News Summary
Two children were rescued from a backyard pool in South Phoenix and taken to a hospital for evaluation. Their parents managed to retrieve them before emergency services arrived. Meanwhile, a separate incident left a 9-year-old boy in critical condition after being found unconscious in a pool in Buckeye. These events highlight the urgency of water safety awareness and the importance of constant supervision near pools, especially for young children.
Phoenix – Two children were pulled from a backyard pool in South Phoenix on Tuesday and subsequently taken to a hospital for evaluation. The incident took place near the intersection of 40th Street and Baseline Road, where fire officials reported that the children’s parents managed to retrieve them from the water before emergency personnel arrived on the scene.
Upon arrival, fire crews found both children awake and breathing, which indicated a positive sign under the circumstances. The specific length of time the children spent in the pool before being rescued is still unclear as the investigation into the incident is ongoing. Further evaluations and care will be provided at the hospital to assess the children’s condition more thoroughly.
In a separate pool-related incident that occurred just days prior, a 9-year-old boy was found unconscious in a residential pool during a family gathering in Buckeye, Arizona, on Sunday, August 24. He was discovered face down in the water after being unsupervised for approximately one minute. Immediate care was administered at the scene before he was transported to Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s Avondale Campus. Despite being breathing during transport, the boy remains in critical condition as medical staff continue to monitor his progress.
Both incidents prompt critical reminders regarding water safety and the importance of vigilant supervision, particularly for young children who are at risk of drowning. The Buckeye Fire Department has taken the opportunity to issue a public service announcement emphasizing the need for families to take necessary precautions when children are near water. These safety tips include: designating a “water watcher,” ensuring that pool gates are closed and locked, confirming that children have swimming skills, and making it a habit to check the water first if a child goes missing.
Drowning continues to be a significant concern in both residential and public pools, disproportionately affecting young children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1 to 4. Many of these incidents occur when children gain unsupervised access to water, turning moments of inattention into life-threatening situations.
The rapid response of first responders in both cases illustrates the importance of emergency preparedness and rapid action. Communities across Arizona are encouraged to engage in water safety discussions and education to prevent future tragedies. While parents and caregivers are urged to remain attentive, responsible swimming practices and parental supervision are essential to creating safe environments for children when enjoying swimming activities.
As investigations into these incidents continue, community members are reminded to prioritize safety and stay informed on how to protect children around water. Whether in backyards or public facilities, it’s crucial that all safety measures are observed to reduce the risk of drowning and ensure that all children can enjoy pools safely.
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Additional Resources
- ABC 15: Two Children Taken to Hospital
- Google Search: Drowning Prevention
- KTAR: 9-Year-Old Boy in Critical Condition
- Wikipedia: Drowning
- AZ Family: Help Needed Identifying Teen Who Drowned
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Safety
- USA Today: 3-Year-Old Chandler Drowning
- Google News: Pools and Safety

Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.