As the temperature increases, more and more people choose to cool down in swimming pools. People in California’s hot and humid climate have a good incentive to spend time in their backyard pools. However, recently in Hemet, California, a day at the pool might have gone far worse for one family.

According to a news report by ABC 7 from last Tuesday, May 16, 2023, the Petite family of Hemet, California, saw the horrors of a swimming pool incident firsthand. Unfortunately for Zachary Petite and his son Cole, who is only a year old, a lovely day by the water quickly turned tragic.

The swimming pool turned into a pool of horrors

The Petite family of Hemet, California, had a typical Tuesday. Zachary Petite, a father of three, was helping his daughter, age 4, around the pool. Cole, Zachary’s one-year-old son, was also in the pool area. The toddler, however, ditched the life jacket and headed for the water. His father, who was helping his daughter on the left side of the pool, missed this at first. Within seconds, Cole was strolling around the pool. After a brief rest on the brink, he plunges headfirst into the water. However, that was when things started to turn for the worst.

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While talking to ABC 7, Zachary mentioned the situation, saying, “I look over and I can’t find him and I ended seeing him sinking to the bottom of the pool.” Zachary’s despair at losing track of his kid was palpable. In a flash, he arrived at the poolside where Cole was walking and plucked him from the water.

Points to note as shared by the father

A father of three and firefighter with the Hemet Fire Department, Zachary Petite is an engineer paramedic. His job requires him to react to fires, 911 calls, and other crises. Despite having served as a first responder, Zachary says his fatherly instincts saved his son’s life when he spotted Cole in the pool. His firsthand knowledge of the dangers posed by a backyard pool led him to provide advice to other parents.

Zachary advises that parents should put a fence with a kid safety lock and even door alarms near their pool. The Hemet Fire Department is committed to using the event to educate the public about the need to take precautions around swimming pools.

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The event has undoubtedly increased the Petite family’s worries, and they are now working to raise awareness about it in their community. Zachary’s quick thinking helped rescue the child and prevent far more loss.