FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. – The Fernandina Beach Police Department said on Monday it was not investigating the drowning of a 5-year-old, which happened on Saturday, as it appeared to be accidental.
On Saturday morning, bystanders pulled the 5-year-old from the water near Seaside Park, and within moments, lifeguards and firefighters responded to initiate lifesaving measures. Despite the efforts of beachgoers, first responders and medical staff, the child could not be revived and died at a hospital.
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Carrie Marion was there when the scary scene unfolded.
“We saw the EMS pull him out of the truck and try to revive this little baby, looked like he wasn’t much bigger than my grandson. We had no choice but to watch it because right behind us,” Marion said.
Marion said it started raining heavily right before the incident, and wonders if that contributed.
“I guess everybody was scurrying around trying to round up their stuff. The rain didn’t last long,” Marion said.
News4JAX spoke with beachgoers on Monday, two days after the tragedy.
“I mean you just gotta keep him close. We only let him get maybe knee deep as his height. Anything past that, we’re holding his hand. Gotta stay on top of him,” Zach Hazen said.
Fernandina Beach Fire Chief Jeremy Holmes said it was very difficult to respond to this scene.
“Especially anytime a child is involved makes it very difficult. You have 16, 17, 18-year-old lifeguards doing CPR for the first time on a 5-year-old. That can be very difficult,” Holmes said.
The incident occurred about 140 yards north of the lifeguard tower in about two to three feet of water. Officials said there were no rip currents noted in the area and lifeguards were flying yellow flags.
It is unclear who was accompanying the child at the time of the incident.