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Tampa 18-month-old nearly drowns in sitters' pool

Tribune photo by JIM REED

A neighbor performed CPR on the boy until paramedics arrived at the home on 116th Avenue.

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TBO.com

Published: August 4, 2009

Updated: 08/04/2009 03:26 pm

TAMPA - A toddler remains in critical condition today after nearly drowning in pool at a home west of Interstate 275 near Fowler and Florida avenues, Tampa police say.

Eighteen-month-old Oliver White of Tampa is at University Community Hospital, breathing with the help of a respirator, Tampa police spokeswoman Laura McElroy said.

Oliver and his 4-year-old brother were staying at the home of a couple who were watching them while the children's parents were vacationing in Montana, McElroy said.

Oliver managed to get out of his high chair about 10:30 a.m., open a door, exit the house and fall into the backyard swimming pool of the home at 705 116th Ave., McElroy said. The babysitter and her boyfriend found the unresponsive child in the pool.

Neighbor Josh Schwade, a paramedic, performed CPR on the boy until authorities arrived, police say.

Oliver's parents have been notified of the incident and are in touch with the hospital, McElroy said.

Detectives have ruled the apparent near-drowning an accident. The investigation is ongoing.

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