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Mother shares pool safety message after son’s near-drowning in Sanford

Emerald Henderson’s son Noah was 18 months old when he gained entrance to a pool though a broken gate

SANFORD, Fla. – The mother of a child who nearly drowned at a Sanford apartment complex is sharing a message of pool safety and a warning to other parents.

It was May 17, 2023, when Emerald Henderson’s son Noah slipped out of their home at the Lake Jennie Apartments.

In a matter of minutes, the then 18-month-old was able to gain access to the complex’s pool through a broken gate. Noah nearly died and was saved by neighbors who pulled him from the water.

“I stand today very grateful to still have my son,” Henderson said. “It’s like living in a nightmare every day in the hospital, not knowing if my son is going to make it.”

With rehabilitation, Noah is expected to make a full recovery.

“It’s been very difficult. With my son and therapy, life has changed,” Henderson said.

In response to the near-drowning, the Haggard Law Firm filed a lawsuit against the property owner for failing to properly secure the pool.

The case recently settled for $2 million and the complex installed a new fence and gate with a locking mechanism.

“I look at the fence. That’s all that it would have taken,” Attorney Adam Finkel said. “That fence didn’t cost $2 million. That fence cost a lot less.”

Finkel said security surrounding pools is a problem across the country and he urged people to report any issues they see.

Henderson, meanwhile, said she’s working to raise awareness for pool safety.

“Never think that it can’t be your child, and CPR is very important. Always,” she said.


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