A family is grieving the death of their 5-year-old son who drowned in a backyard pool in Riverside.
Ivan Sanchez was a guest at a pool party on July 6 at a home in the 12100 block of Dewar Drive when he was found unresponsive in the pool, said Officer Ryan Railsback, a Police Department spokesman.
Ivan was wearing a flotation device, Railsback said. No other circumstances of the drowning were available Thursday. He said a child’s death triggers an automatic investigation.
“Right now it appears to be a tragic, accidental drowning,” Railsback said.
One of the boy’s relatives, Roga Sanchez, established a GoFundMe page to assist the family with expenses.
“Ivan was a bright light in our lives — a child who adored his parents, cherished pizza and filled every moment with laughter and boundless energy. His joyful spirit and innocent curiosity touched everyone who knew him,” Sanchez wrote.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 years old, and the second-leading cause of unintentional injury death for children 5 to 14.
The federal agency offered these drowning-prevention tips:
• Swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning.
• An adult should always be within an arm’s length from a child who is in or near water.
• “Floaties,” arm bands, or water wings do not prevent children from drowning and can easily slip off. A life jacket is recommended.
• Home swimming pools need a four-sided fence at least four feet high that fully encloses the pool and separates it from the house. The fence needs a self-closing and self-latching gate.
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