Tot saved from drowning

Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2003 | 11:10 a.m.

A 1-year-old North Las Vegas boy was in critical condition after nearly drowning in a backyard wading pool Tuesdaynight, authorities said.

North Las Vegas Police detectives are investigating the 13th near-drowning in Clark County this year.

The toddler was discovered missing from the living room of his home in the 2600 block of Vana Avenue by his 13-year-old sister about 7:15 p.m., North Las Vegas Police Department spokesman Justin Roberts said.

The boy, his sister and two other brothers, 9 and 10 years old, had played together in the 8-foot-wide, 18-inch-deep inflatable pool earlier. The children were home alone, Roberts said.

After the four children played in the pool, they went into the house, where the 13-year-old sister bathed her brothers, Roberts said. She and the 1-year-old went into the living room to watch television.

Roberts said that a short time later, the girl realized her youngest brother was missing, and found the toddler floating face down in the pool. She removed him, and he was not breathing, Roberts said.

The girl started CPR, causing the little boy to cough up water and start to breathe, and she yelled for help. Neighbors called 911, Roberts said.

The boy was in critical condition this morning at University Medical Center, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Although the drowning appears accidental, North Las Vegas Police are continuing their investigation, Roberts said.

From Jan. 1 through the end of May, five children under 14 have drowned in Clark County, according to the Clark County Health District. Twelve had almost drowned until Tuesday night's incident.

Of the five drownings that have occurred this year, three were in bathtubs and two were in swimming pools, according to the Health District.