A 3-year-old boy drowned in a backyard pool in Port St. Lucie on Friday night, raising new concerns about pool safety for young children in residential neighborhoods. The incident, which occurred on August 8, 2025, highlights the risks children face even when child-safety barriers are in place.

Port St. Lucie Child Drowning Incident Details

According to Port St. Lucie Police Department, emergency responders were called to a home on the 2200 block of Southwest Edison Circle at approximately 7:30 p.m. The location is west of Florida’s Turnpike and south of Southwest Port St. Lucie Boulevard.

Police and paramedics from the St. Lucie County Fire District arrived quickly and performed lifesaving measures.. The child was transported to Tradition Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 8:11 p.m.

How the Port St. Lucie Pool Drowning Occurred

Investigators reported that the child’s father was feeding a 3-month-old sibling and had placed the 3-year-old down for a nap. When the father returned to the kitchen, he saw his 4-year-old on the patio and the 3-year-old in the pool.

The father immediately jumped into the water, removed his son, and began CPR. Despite his efforts and those of emergency personnel, the child could not be revived. This heartbreaking event is reminiscent of other tragic incidents involving toddlers in Port St. Lucie, emphasizing the importance of constant vigilance around young children.

Children Bypassed Pool Safety Barrier

Police stated that both children exited the house through the back door and accessed the patio area. The pool was equipped with a child-safety barrier, but the 3-year-old was able to get past the barrier and enter the water.

This detail underscores the challenges of preventing child drownings, even in homes with safety equipment installed. Similar safety concerns have arisen in other recent local emergencies, such as when a Fort Pierce man, 82, died after a lake rescue incident in the region.

Pool Safety Measures in Port St. Lucie

Residential pools in Port St. Lucie and throughout Florida are required to have certain safety features, including barriers or fences. However, experts emphasize that no barrier is completely foolproof.

• Constant adult supervision is critical when children are near water.
• Barriers, alarms, and self-closing gates can reduce risk but may not eliminate it.
• Teaching children to swim at an early age is recommended by safety organizations.
• CPR training for parents and caregivers can be lifesaving in emergencies.

Support for the Family

Port St. Lucie Police have provided the family with a victims advocate to offer support and resources during this difficult time. No criminal charges have been reported in connection with the incident.

Child Drowning Risks in St. Lucie County

Florida consistently ranks among the states with the highest rates of unintentional child drowning deaths, according to the Florida Department of Health. Backyard pools are a leading location for these incidents, especially among children ages 1 to 4. In addition to pool-related tragedies, the community has recently faced other devastating events, such as the tragic discovery of a suicide at Port St. Lucie Bass Pro Shops, highlighting the need for ongoing support and awareness.

Local authorities urge families to review their home safety protocols and to remain alert when young children are present near water.

Recent Pool Safety Initiatives

In recent years, St. Lucie County has promoted water safety education and distributed materials about pool barriers and supervision. Community organizations and first responders offer CPR classes and swimming lessons to reduce the risk of similar tragedies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Port St. Lucie Pool Drowning

What happened in the Port St. Lucie pool drowning incident?

A 3-year-old boy drowned in a backyard pool on Southwest Edison Circle in Port St. Lucie on August 8, 2025. Despite lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced dead at Tradition Medical Center.

How did the child access the pool if there was a safety barrier?

The child and his sibling exited the house through the back door and reached the patio. The pool had a child-safety barrier, but the 3-year-old managed to bypass it and enter the water.

Are child-safety barriers required for pools in PSL?

Yes, Port St. Lucie and Florida laws require residential pools to have safety barriers or fences. However, these barriers are not always enough to prevent accidents if children find ways around them.

Can you prevent pool drownings in residential areas?

Pool drownings can be reduced by using multiple safety measures, including supervision, barriers, pool alarms, and teaching children to swim. No single method is completely effective on its own.

Where are resources for pool safety in St. Lucie County?

Local organizations, hospitals, and the county health department offer information on pool safety, swimming lessons, and CPR classes. Families can contact the St. Lucie County Fire District or local police for guidance.

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