As the long weekend approaches, and people are making their plans for pool parties and visits to the beach, the Red Cross is reminding families about the importance of keeping children safe in, on and around water.
People in the Toronto area may remember the story of 10-month old Jesse who in May 2012, nearly drowned in his grandparent’s backyard pond. It only took a brief moment to change the life of this little boy and his family forever.
Luckily, Jesse’s mom Kristin knew CPR. It was her quick actions, along with those of a neighbour and off-duty police officer that saved Jesse’s life. They were able to perform CPR until paramedics arrived and rushed Jesse to the nearest hospital.
Weeks later, doctors feared that Jesse would succumb to his injuries after having his breathing tube removed, but this little fighter prevailed and after a three-month hospital stay and two months at a children’s rehabilitation centre, Jesse had progressed enough to go home.
Now, over 14 months later, Jesse is able to crawl, and gives ‘high fives’, has an infectious laugh and is a very happy and very loved little boy.
Unquestionably, without Kristin and her neighbour performing CPR on Jesse, he wouldn’t have survived. New polling from the Canadian Red Cross reveals that one in three children who drown were not expected to be in the water, and that four in 10 children drown in water that is less than one metre deep. It is important to prepare yourself because instances, such as Jesse’s, can happen to anyone at anytime.