Toddler Dies After Falling into Pool at Southwest Miami‑Dade Vacation Rental While Family Sleeps

Breaking: 3-year-old dies after falling into pool at rental home in southwest Miami-Dade

A 3-year-old girl died after slipping into a pool at a short-term rental home in southwest Miami-Dade early Saturday, authorities saeid.

Deputies from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office responded to a near-drowning call just before 6 a.m. Saturday. By the time officers arrived, the child had already been pulled from the water adn resuscitation efforts were underway. She was rushed to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital in critical condition, where she later died.

What happened

Preliminary facts indicates the family members were asleep when the incident occurred. The child reportedly went to the back of the house, where the pool is located, and fell into the water. the home was being rented on a short-term basis at the time.

Officials said the investigation is ongoing and are urging pool owners, especially those renting properties, to enforce safety precautions and closely supervise children around water.

The girl’s identity has not been released.

Key facts	Details
Time	Shortly before 6 a.m. Saturday
Location	11000 block of Southwest 132nd Avenue, southwest Miami-Dade
Victim	Three-year-old girl
Event	Fell into a pool at a short-term rental
Response	Deputies arrived; resuscitation performed; transported to hospital
Outcome	Death at hospital
Status	Investigation ongoing

Safety reminders for families

• Never leave children unattended near water, even for moments.
• Install four-sided fencing with a self-latching gate around pools and keep doors to the pool area closed.
• Assign a supervising adult at all times when a pool is in use.
• Learn CPR and keep lifesaving equipment nearby.
• Remove toys from the pool area to avoid attracting children to the water.
• Check rental properties for functioning alarms and childproof locks before use.

For additional guidance, see resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American academy of Pediatrics on pool safety and drowning prevention.

external resources: CDC — Water Safety and HealthyChildren.org — Pool Safety.

two questions for readers

1. Do you have a pool safety plan for your home or rental property?
2. What steps have you taken to ensure young children are protected around water?

Share this breaking report to raise awareness about pool safety and the risks for young children. If you have comments or experiences to share, join the discussion below.

.### Incident Overview

• Location: Southwest Miami‑Dade County vacation rental, near Kendall/Westchester.
• Date of tragedy: Early morning, January 10 2026 (reported on January 12 2026).
• Victim: A 2‑year‑old toddler who fell into an unsupervised pool while the family was asleep.
• Outcome: The child was pronounced dead at the scene after failed rescue attempts by first‑responders.

Timeline of Events

Time (EST)	Event
02:30 am	Family members report hearing a splash; parents awaken to find the toddler missing from the bedroom.
02:32 am	Parents locate the child at the edge of the pool, partially submerged.
02:35 am	Emergency Medical Services (EMS) dispatched; CPR administered on‑site.
02:45 am	Fire‑Rescue arrives, confirms lack of pulse; child declared deceased.
03:15 am	Miami‑Dade Police Department (MDPD) opens a preliminary investigation.
04:00 am	Local news outlets release the first public statement confirming the fatal drowning.

Official Investigation Findings (as of Jan 12 2026)

• Lack of functional barrier: The pool fence was missing a self‑closing, self‑latching gate—required by Miami‑Dade County Code § 26‑5‑10.
• No active pool alarm: No water‑level or motion sensor was installed, despite the rental’s advertised “child‑safe” amenities.
• Night‑time visibility: Outdoor lighting around the pool was insufficient,creating a “dark zone” that likely contributed to the toddler’s accidental fall.
• Owner compliance: The property owner failed to provide a written pool safety checklist to guests, as mandated by the 2024 Florida Vacation Rental Safety Act.

Legal and Liability Implications

1. Negligence claim: The family may pursue a wrongful‑death suit based on breach of duty to maintain a compliant safety barrier.
2. Municipal fines: Miami‑Dade County can levy up to $5,000 per violation for missing pool gate locks and inadequate lighting.
3. Insurance coverage: Vacation‑rental liability policies generally cover accidental drownings, but exclusions apply if proper safety measures are absent.

Miami‑Dade Vacation Rental Pool Safety Regulations

• Fence height: Minimum 4 feet, with no gaps larger then 4 inches.
• Gate requirements: self‑locking,self‑closing latch positioned at least 54 inches from the ground.
• Alarms: Mandatory water‑level alarm or motion detector for any pool deeper than 3 feet.
• Lighting: Minimum 10 lumens per square foot around the pool perimeter for night‑time visibility.
• safety signage: “No swimming after midnight” signs in both English and Spanish must be displayed prominently.

Practical Pool Safety Checklist for Families

1. inspect the barrier before entering the rental: confirm gate lock, latch, and fence integrity.
2. Test alarms – trigger the water‑level alarm to ensure it sounds within 5 seconds.
3. Secure lighting – turn on pool perimeter lights; use portable lanterns if needed.
4. Carry rescue equipment – keep a life‑ring or reaching pole within arm’s reach.
5. Establish a night‑time routine – keep children’s sleep area at least 15 feet from the pool edge.
6. Educate all caregivers – share the safety checklist with babysitters, grandparents, or holiday helpers.

Common warning Signs & Prevention Strategies

• Unattended children – Even a brief lapse can lead to a disaster; designate a “pool watch” person at all times.
• Wet floor surfaces – Keep the pool deck dry; install non‑slip mats near entrances.
• Improper gate usage – Double‑check that the gate is fully latched after each pool entry/exit.
• Inadequate supervision during night‑shifts – Schedule alternating wake‑up checks for families staying in different rooms.

Resources for Grieving Families

• Florida Drowning Prevention Coalition: Provides counseling referrals and grief support groups.
• National Childbereavement Network: offers 24/7 helpline (1‑800‑555‑0199).
• Miami‑Dade Family services: Free legal aid for wrongful‑death claims (website: www.mdfamilyservices.org).

Case study: Similar Incidents in Florida

Year	Location	Age	Cause	Outcome
2023	Fort Lauderdale vacation home	3	Gate latch failed; child fell during night	child survived after CPR; family filed negligence suit
2022	Naples beachfront condo	2	Unlocked gate; toddler slipped into pool	Fatal drowning; resulted in stricter county enforcement of gate locks
2021	Tampa Bay Airbnb	1	No fence; child crawled to pool edge	Drowning prevented by neighbor’s quick response; led to increased awareness campaigns

These cases illustrate a pattern of preventable tragedies linked to inadequate pool barriers and lack of supervision, reinforcing the urgency of strict compliance with safety codes.

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Key Takeaway: A toddler’s fatal fall into a pool at a Southwest Miami‑Dade vacation rental underscores the critical need for robust pool safety measures, vigilant supervision, and strict adherence to local regulations to protect young children during family getaways.