A mother and daughter duo who owned a California home day care were arrested after two children drowned in their backyard pool on October 2nd.
Two 1-year-olds died while at Happy Happy Daycare in the Almaden neighborhood of San Jose. According to police, a third child was rescued from the pool after suffering non-life-threatening injuries.
A 64-year-old woman and her 41-year-old daughter were the business owners of the daycare and surrendered to San Jose Police on October 20th, after arrest warrants were issued. According to a report by the AP News, they could face charges including neglect of children resulting in death and neglect resulting in injuries.
The two children were identified by the Santa Clara County Coroner’s Office as 1-year-old Payton Cobb of Hollister and 1-year-old Lillian Hanan of San Jose.
California Licensing Officials have cited Happy Happy Daycare for staffing and monitoring violations, and initially raised separate concerns about the potential for children to access the backyard pool. The defendants are scheduled for arraignment on December 6th.
“This is a horrific ordeal that resulted in the lives of two innocent children being taken far too soon,” said Gerald Singleton, leading personal injury and wrongful death attorney at Singleton Schreiber. “Two families will now be forced to grieve their 1-year-old children due to the extreme negligence of these caretakers. My thoughts are with the families of victims at this time.”
If you or someone you loved has been injured in a pool accident, contact the San Jose wrongful death and personal injury lawyers at Singleton Schreiber by calling 559-702-0846 or by email info@singletonschreiber.com.
Fatal San Jose Daycare Backyard Pool Accidents
Daycare facilities are essential support systems for working parents, offering a safe and nurturing environment for children. However, a recent spate of fatal backyard pool accidents at San Jose daycare centers has raised concerns and ignited conversations about the safety of children in these settings.
San Jose, a vibrant city in California, has witnessed a series of fatal backyard pool accidents in daycare settings. These accidents have left families shattered, communities in mourning, and authorities examining the circumstances surrounding these tragedies. These incidents are poignant reminders that water safety cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to the well-being of young children.
Statistics regarding child drowning are sobering. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning remains the leading cause of unintentional injury death among children aged 1 to 4 years. While these accidents can occur in various settings, daycare centers, which often have pools, pose unique risks that demand special attention.
Several factors contribute to backyard pool accidents in daycare centers:
- Lack of Supervision: Inadequate supervision is a leading cause of pool-related accidents. A momentary lapse in attention can result in devastating consequences.
- Inadequate Fencing: The absence of proper pool barriers and fencing that meet safety standards can allow children unauthorized access to the pool area.
- Insufficient Training: Daycare staff may not be adequately trained in water safety and emergency response, leaving them ill-prepared to handle pool-related incidents.
- Failure to Comply with Regulations: Some daycare centers may not comply with state and local regulations regarding pool safety and child supervision.
In light of these tragic incidents, it is imperative for daycare facilities, parents, and the community to take proactive measures to prevent backyard pool accidents:
- Stringent Supervision: Supervision is the first line of defense against pool accidents. Daycare staff must be vigilant and attentive at all times, ensuring that children are never left unattended near the pool.
- Proper Fencing: Install child-resistant pool barriers and fencing that meet local safety regulations, ensuring that unauthorized access is impossible.
- Staff Training: All daycare employees should be trained in water safety and emergency response protocols. Regular drills and training sessions can better prepare them for potential emergencies.
- Compliance with Regulations: Daycare centers should ensure that they comply with all state and local regulations related to pool safety and child supervision.
- Parental Involvement: Parents should inquire about the safety measures in place at their child’s daycare facility, fostering open communication with staff regarding concerns or suggestions for improvement.
The recent series of fatal backyard pool accidents at San Jose daycare centers is a stark reminder of the importance of water safety, particularly when it comes to protecting our most vulnerable, our children. While these incidents are heartbreaking, they serve as a catalyst for change. By implementing strict safety measures and increasing awareness, we can ensure that daycare centers remain places of care, learning, and play without the specter of tragedy hanging over them. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the community, parents, and daycare providers to work together to create a safer environment for our children.
“Although a harsh reminder, daycare facilities must learn from this tragic situation and protect the young ones they are responsible for and remain diligent,” added Mr. Singleton. “No child or infant should ever be in a similar situation. Anyone affected by this ordeal should seek out the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney.”
If you or someone you loved has been injured in a pool accident, contact the San Jose wrongful death and personal injury lawyers at Singleton Schreiber by calling 559-702-0846 or by email info@singletonschreiber.com.
