PORTSMOUTH, Va. - Portsmouth Police are investigating the recent drowning of an 8-year-old boy. The boy's family tells News 3 his name was Khyree
Khyree Jones
Jones.
Portsmouth dispatchers received a call around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday about a possible drowning in the 5800 block of Woodside Lane. When they arrived on scene they found the 8-year-old boy unresponsive in the deep end of a pool.
Police say the pool had just been opened and was still very dark and murky. The family was unable to find the boy in the pool before first responders got to the scene.
Jones was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
Portsmouth police are calling the drowning a tragic accident and hope that others will see this as an opportunity to talk to their family about pool and water safety. They have provided the following tips to help families stay safe this summer.
General Water Safety Tips:
- Never leave a child or children unattended near water. Avoid distractions and never drink alcohol when supervising children in and around the water.
- Teach your child/children how to swim. This can be all the difference if a child is faced with sinking or swimming.
- Learn how to perform CPR. It can and will save a life.
- Have all children use life jackets approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, especially if they cannot swim. Inflatable pool toys are not safety devices.
- Get out of the water immediately if you see lightning or hear thunder.
- Always have your cell phone handy in case you have an emergency and need to call for police or EMS assistance.
- If your child goes missing ALWAYS check the water first! It only takes a few moments for someone to drown.
