Miami, FL - A 3-year-old girl has died after falling into a swimming pool at a short-term rental home in the Kendale Lakes area early Saturday morning, January 10, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched just before 6 a.m. to a residence near Southwest 132nd Avenue and 119th Street, where a family of seven — two adults and five children — had been staying. Detective Angel Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, confirmed the child had wandered into the backyard before the incident occurred.
“This is a very sad and tragic event,” Rodriguez said. “We are asking the community to pray for this family.”
Child Found in Pool; Investigation Underway
Investigators believe the family was asleep when the child fell into the pool. After realizing she was missing, her parents discovered her in the water and pulled her out. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue transported the child to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital in critical condition, where she later died.
Rodriguez said the investigation is ongoing. “The initial investigation is leaning to an accidental death,” he explained. “However, our detectives are going to do a full and thorough investigation to ensure that that is exactly the manner or the type of death investigation that’s conducted here today.”
Officials Emphasize Pool Safety Measures
Rodriguez reminded residents of the importance of pool safety, especially given South Florida’s many residential swimming pools and nearby waterways. He urged homeowners to install proper locks, alarms, and fencing around pools and encouraged families to enroll their children in swimming lessons to help reduce risk.
Florida Pool Drowning Attorney Explains Legal Options for Families After Airbnb Tragedies
When a drowning occurs at a short-term rental property, grieving families often face not only emotional devastation but also complex legal questions about responsibility. Florida pool drowning lawyer Michael Haggard discussed potential legal remedies, safety standards for rental properties, and the steps families can take if negligence played a role in a fatal incident.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When a drowning occurs at a rental property like an Airbnb, what questions should families be asking?
Michael Haggard, Esq.: The key issue is often whether the property was properly secured. Families should find out if the pool had adequate fencing, alarms, or gates, as required by Florida law. If safety measures were missing or malfunctioning, that could point to negligence.
Banville: Do companies like Airbnb share any legal responsibility?
Haggard: In some cases, they might. It depends on whether they knew—or should have known—that the property didn’t meet local safety codes. Every case is fact-specific, so families should speak with a lawyer experienced in drowning cases right away.
Banville: What guidance would you offer parents renting homes with pools?
Haggard: Always inspect the pool area before unpacking. Make sure there are locks or barriers in place, and if not, take steps to secure the area yourself. A few minutes of precaution can save a life.
Legal Help for Families After Pool Accidents
Families affected by pool drownings deserve answers and support. If you or someone you love has been impacted by a drowning at a rental or private property, our legal team is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your rights and learn how we can guide you through every step of the legal process.
Source
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article314272721.html
