Family's quick action saves tot from drowning in Orem

The quick actions of family members are being credited for saving a 3-year-old from drowning in Orem.

Orem Police Lt. Craig Martinez said the boy had been swimming Friday night at his grandparent's house near 900 W. 1300 North when a family member spotted him lying at the bottom of the pool's shallow end.

When family members pulled him from the water, the tot was not conscious or breathing, but they quickly started performing CPR, Martinez said.

When officers arrived, the boy had started coughing up water, and he was rushed to a nearby hospital.

Monday, the boy was at home and expected to make a full recovery.

Martinez said there was family everywhere at the gathering, but no one initially realized the tot was in the pool as they thought he was inside with his mother. Police suspect the tot was submerged anywhere between 1 and 5 minutes before he was spotted.

Martinez said the incident should serve as a reminder to keep a close eye on children when they are that age, particularly around water. The family's quick action in pulling him out and performing CPR, likely prevented a tragedy, Martinez said.

jstecklein@sltrib.com

Twitter @sltribjanelle