BRADENTON, Fla. — A 15-month-old boy died at the hospital after falling into a pool at a vacation rental home Wednesday, authorities said.
Rescuers responded around 4:15 p.m. to the area of 23rd Avenue West and 26th Street, according to the Bradenton Police Department.
Police said a family member found the toddler unresponsive in the pool and pulled him out of the water. Despite efforts to save the child, he died at HCA Florida Blake Hospital.
The drowning is believed to be accidental, however, an investigation into the case is ongoing, according to police.
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 years old, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Florida ranks No. 5 in the U.S. for unintentional drowning deaths with an age-adjusted rate of 2.2 per 100,000 population.
Visit this page to see important safety tips on keeping kids safe near water.