A tragic near-drowning incident in Pooler, Georgia, has led to the arrest of a 19-year-old woman who was responsible for supervising her younger brother. On April 20, 2025, the 5-year-old boy was found face down and unresponsive in a residential swimming pool. According to law enforcement, the sister sat near the pool but failed to respond as the child entered the water and began to struggle.
Thanks to the fast actions of Pooler Police Department officers, the child was revived through CPR and transported to Memorial Health in Savannah for further treatment. The young boy has since been released from the hospital. His survival highlights the importance of rapid emergency response when a child is involved in a pool drowning or near-drowning situation.
The child’s 19-year-old sister has been charged with second-degree cruelty to children. Surveillance footage reportedly showed her sitting just feet from the pool, watching as her brother entered the water. Authorities claim she failed to act or intervene, even though there were no visible distractions such as phone use. This negligence has now led to formal criminal charges.
Negligent supervision is a serious issue in pool drowning and near-drowning incidents. In Georgia, adults responsible for child safety can face both criminal prosecution and civil liability when their inaction results in injury. Near-drownings can cause long-term damage including traumatic brain injury, emotional trauma, and developmental delays in young children.
In addition to criminal charges, civil lawsuits may be pursued by family members seeking compensation for medical costs, therapy, pain and suffering, and other damages. These cases often hinge on proving that a responsible party failed to prevent a foreseeable and avoidable injury, particularly when it involves a minor child around a swimming pool.
Property owners in Georgia must comply with pool safety regulations, such as installing fences, gates, and proper signage. If a pool lacks these required safety features, and an accident occurs, the owner may be held liable under Georgia’s premises liability laws. In some cases, both the caregiver and the property owner may share responsibility for a child’s injury.
Michael Haggard, Esq., Managing Partner at The Haggard Law Firm and a leading GA pool drowning attorney, responded to the incident:
"This heartbreaking near-drowning case shows how quickly a preventable tragedy can occur. Every child deserves a safe environment and attentive supervision, especially around water. When caregivers or property owners fail in their duty, we must ensure justice is served—both criminally and civilly."
If your child has been injured in a near-drowning incident caused by negligence, you may have grounds for a civil lawsuit. The Haggard Law Firm specializes in representing victims of swimming pool accidents and is committed to holding negligent parties accountable.
Contact Michael Haggard, Esq. today for a free legal consultation. We provide compassionate and experienced legal representation for families in Georgia and across the country facing the aftermath of a pool drowning or injury. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.
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