Crime & Safety

Two Near-Drownings in Gwinnett Over Weekend

A 7-year-old child nearly drowned in a Dacula neighborhood swimming pool Saturday. A 2-year-old girl also nearly drowned in Lake Lanier Saturday.

Just after 2 p.m. Saturday, Gwinnett firefighters responded to a report of a near drowning at Buford Dam Park at Lake Lanier, according to officials.

"Crews found a 2-year old female who was already out of the water on arrival," Capt. Tommy Rutledge, public information officer for Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services said in a press release. "The child was playing at the park with her family when she was discovered floating face down in the water."

Rutledge said the child was was reportedly pulled out by a family member and chest compressions were performed. She was conscious and breathing when fire department units arrived and was described as alert and oriented upon evaluation by paramedics.  

Find out what's happening in Norcrosswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The child was transported in stable condition to Scottish Rite Children's Hospital in Atlanta, according to Rutledge.

A 7-year-old child was transported to Scottish Rite Children's Hospital in Atlanta after nearly drowning in a Dacula neighborhood pool the same day.

Find out what's happening in Norcrosswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Firefighters were dispatched to Belfaire subdivision off Auburn Road  shortly after 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 16. When crews arrived, they found the child unconscious and unresponsive with a bystander administering CPR.

“The girl had return of pulse and respirations at the scene when the fire department arrived,” according to Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services public information officer Capt. Tommy Rutledge.

Rutledge said the child was reportedly snorkeling in the water and was found floating face down.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.