Boy Drowns in Sioux Falls Swimming Pool

UPDATE: Police say the boy who drowned was 8-years old and was alone in the pool at an apartment complex. Essentially the investigation is complete because the entire incident was captured on surveillance video showing there was no foul play.

According to first responders, at 5:32 PM on Tuesday (July 3), they were dispatched to the 1300 block of North Cleveland Avenue in response to a call of a drowning.

Sergeant Michelle Hockett provided more information in a statement: "Upon arrival Sioux Falls Fire Rescue and Paramedics Plus were attending to a juvenile male who was not conscious and not breathing. The juvenile male was transported to a local hospital where lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful."

Sioux Falls Police Public Information Officer added some details at the media briefing on Thursday (July 5).

"The boy didn't live at the apartment, but went to the pool. He was using a life ring which was along side the pool. At some point he got separated from that life ring. He wasn't able to swim and then went underwater. It sounds like he was under water for quite some time before somebody found him."

The American Red Cross provides resources how to prepare for a water emergency:

• Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
• If you own a home pool or hot tub, have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.
• Enroll in Red Cross home pool safety, water safety, first aid and CPR/AED courses to learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies.

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