Two toddlers on Long Island died in separate backyard pool accidents just days apart, prompting officials to issue another urgent warning about the dangers of drowning during the summer months.
A 2-year-old girl was found unresponsive in the backyard pool of her home in Mastic on July 20, according to Suffolk County police.
She was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition but died three days later on July 23.
Then, on July 24, a 3-year-old child drowned during a family gathering in Central Islip.
Relatives reportedly discovered the child in the pool and called for help. The toddler was taken to a hospital in critical condition but was later pronounced dead.
The two tragedies are part of a troubling rise in water-related emergencies across Suffolk County.
Police said at least five other people have died in water-related incidents in the county since the beginning of May.
Earlier this month, officials revealed that emergency crews had already responded to at least 50 water-rescue calls in Suffolk County this year. At least seven of those incidents ended in death.
In 2025, Suffolk County recorded 16 drowning deaths and nearly 120 water-rescue calls, according to officials.
Nassau County had received 13 water-rescue calls by the middle of July this year, with one reported death.
Last summer, Nassau police responded to nine water emergencies, two of which were fatal.
The recent deaths have renewed calls for parents and caregivers to remain within arm’s reach of young children whenever they are near a pool, even during crowded family gatherings.
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
