KOKOMO, Ind. — A 6-year-old child who was reported missing was hospitalized Sunday after being rescued from a retention pond.
Kokomo Police Department said they responded to a report of a missing 6-year-old autistic boy from the 600 block of Elk Drive around 9:30 a.m.
Within twenty minutes, officers located the child in a retention pond, just north of Beachwalk lane.
The child was pulled from the water and first responders began life-saving measures.
The child was transported to a hospital in Indianapolis. His condition was not disclosed by authorities.
An investigation is ongoing. Anyone that has information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kokomo Police Department at (765) 456-7017.
"It's very sad because you go home and I always hug my kids a little harder after situations like that," said Indiana Conservation Officer David Moss.
To prevent water-related tragedies like drownings, Moss says anyone entering a body of water should know the terrain.
"Know where you're going, whether it be a river or a lake or a pond," Moss said. "Know the depth, know the currents, and everything else. The biggest factors I see, especially around rivers, (are) people don't know the depths. A river can go from a foot of water to a ten foot hole in a matter of seconds."
He also suggests anyone who lives near a retention pond can lessen risks by adding safety equipment.
"I would say having something simple like throw bags, ring buoys... or put up childproof fencing," Moss said. "Water safety is very important. It only takes a matter of minutes for an accident to happen."
His other suggestions to parents to improve children's water safety are:
- Always know where your kids are.
- Learn First Aid and CPR.
- Give your kids swimming lessons.
- Have your kids wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
