Toddler accidentally drowns in swimming pool

The Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office is investigating the accidental drowning of a 2½-year-old child.

The child was found unresponsive in a swimming pool on Baretich Road in Aberdeen at approximately 4:30 p.m. Monday. The aid crew responded and transported the child to Grays Harbor Community Hospital. Despite all of the rescue efforts, the child was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

At this point in the investigation, it appears this was a tragic accident when the toddler was able to climb the stairs to the pool and fall in. The child was out of view of the adults that were present when the accident occurred.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind citizens to keep access to pools secure from small children. Fences and gates are recommended. A child can drown in the time it takes to answer a phone call.