Toddler Found Not Breathing in Marlow Swimming Pool Flown to Trauma Center; Authorities Say Child Is Doing Better

MARLOW, Ala. — A young child who was found not breathing in a swimming pool in Baldwin County’s Marlow community on Saturday was flown to a trauma center and is doing better, authorities said.

The child, who is about 3 years old, was found in the pool at a home in the Marlow community on Saturday, Oct. 24. The Baldwin County 911 Communications Center received the call for help at about 4:36 p.m.

Family and first responders began resuscitation

The Fish River/Marlow Volunteer Fire Department, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and Medstar ambulance service were dispatched to the home.

Family members and emergency personnel were able to begin emergency steps to resuscitate the child, authorities said. A medical helicopter was also sent to the area, and the child was flown to a trauma center.

Authorities said the child is doing better. No other information has been released, including the child’s name, how long the child may have been in the water or how the child got into the pool.

About the Marlow community

Marlow is a rural community in central Baldwin County, near Fish River, between the Fairhope and Foley areas. Like many unincorporated communities in the county, it relies on a volunteer fire department for first response, working alongside the sheriff’s office and county ambulance services.

Why every second counts

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most drownings among young children happen in home swimming pools, and they often occur when a child gets into the water unexpectedly during a brief lapse in supervision.

Drowning is often silent. A child in trouble in the water usually cannot call for help or splash, which is why safety experts stress constant, close supervision.

Quick action matters. Starting CPR right away, before emergency crews arrive, can greatly improve a child’s chances of survival and recovery, which is why safety organizations encourage parents, grandparents and caregivers to learn CPR.

Pool safety tips for families

Child safety and water safety organizations recommend several layers of protection around home pools:

• Watch children closely. Assign a responsible adult as a “water watcher” whose only job is to watch children in or near the water, without distractions such as phones.
• Install barriers. A fence at least 4 feet tall that completely surrounds the pool, with a self-closing, self-latching gate, can keep young children from reaching the water.
• Use alarms. Door, gate and pool alarms can alert adults when a child heads toward the water.
• Remove temptations. Take toys out of the pool when it is not in use so children are not drawn to the water.
• Check the water first. If a child is missing, check the pool or any nearby water first.
• Learn CPR. Classes are available through hospitals, fire departments and community organizations.
• Teach swimming skills. Swim lessons can reduce risk, but they are never a substitute for supervision.

Even in late October, warm weather along the Gulf Coast means many backyard pools remain uncovered and accessible, making year-round vigilance important.

Key facts

• When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026; 911 call at about 4:36 p.m.
• Where: A home in the Marlow community, Baldwin County
• Who: A child about 3 years old
• Response: Fish River/Marlow Volunteer Fire Department, Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, Medstar and a medical helicopter
• Condition: Flown to a trauma center; authorities say the child is doing better