88 child drownings in 2018 remembered after Naples child drowns

Writer: Derrick Shaw
Published: Updated:
Photo by WINK News.

More children drown in Florida than any other state in the country, and it’s the leading cause of death for children ages 1 years old to 4 years old, according to Florida Department of Health.

People came together on Vanderbilt beach Friday to remember 88 children who drowned in 2018.

“I think it’s important, whether we realize it or not, we got to make sure that kids are our priority,” Luke Karas said.

In one of the counties first child drownings in 2019, Collier County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Thursday 3-year-old Carrie Wang drowned at home in her family’s pool in Naples.

Eight percent of child pool drownings happen to those ages three and younger.

“It has happened to the best parents,” said Paula DiGrigoli with NCH Healthy Children’s Coalition. “And the only way for us to prevent this tragedy is to follow the layers of protection.”

NCH is asking parents to designate a person to watch children at all times anywhere near water more than three feet deep.

Further pool safety: 

  • Add barriers and fences around home pools or other water sources.
  • Learn CPR
  • Have life vest nearby

On Wednesday, Wang was found at the bottom of the swimming pool while her family was outside.

According to the deputy report, Wang’s father, Sheng Wang, was performing CPR to resuscitate her when the responding deputy arrived at their home. Wang was unconscious and not breathing. Responding authorities then used a defibrillator and performed CPR on her unable to revive her.

The case is under investigation.

Trust WINK News to update you as more information becomes available. 

 

 

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