Safe After Near-Drowning

A 4-year-old child who nearly drowned in a pool in Springs earlier this month was released from the hospital this week.

East Hampton Town Police Capt. Chris Anderson said Tuesday that the child, Charlotte Sutton-Do of New York City, was found unresponsive though breathing in a pool at 69 Isle of Wight Road on June 12 at about 2:30 p.m. Officers administered oxygen before the arrival of Springs Fire Department emergency medical personnel and the East Hampton Volunteer Ambulance Association.

The child was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital from East Hampton Airport. She remained in the hospital until Monday, when she was discharged.

“This was a good outcome,” Captain Anderson said. The incident was accidental, he said; Charlotte was with her family in the pool at the time.

Family members could not be reached for comment, but Robert Strent, a family friend, said they wanted to convey “heartfelt thanks” to the town police, ambulance volunteers, as well as the doctors, nurses, and staff at Stony Brook, “and all the strangers who they did not get to meet, but who made Charlotte’s recovery possible through their actions, thoughts, and prayers.” Mr. Strent said the family declined to comment further.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children 1 to 4 have the highest drowning rates of any age group, and drowning is responsible for more deaths among that age group than any other cause except congenital abnormalities.

The six-bedroom house where the incident occurred is in the Lion Head community, with a pool that has a water view. A summer rental, it is owned by Greenway Coastal Property Development L.L.C.