Kennebec County Sheriff Randall Liberty encouraged people with pools to keep them secure, following an accident Thursday morning in which a 2-year-old boy nearly died in his family pool.

Cody Campbell is on life support at Maine Medical Center in Portland, according to Liberty.

He was taken by a LifeFlight helicopter from MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta to Portland, where there were indications of a pulse but no brain activity, according to a news release from the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office.

The boy’s mother, Karla Campbell, 31, found her son floating facedown in their above-ground swimming pool at their Northern Avenue residence, while she was home with her three children and two of their friends, according to the release.

The sheriff’s office received a report of a drowning victim about 7:45 a.m.

Paramedics from Gardiner Rescue were attempting to resuscitate the boy when the deputies arrived, Liberty said.

The boy’s father, Vernon Campbell, 34, had left for work at about 7 a.m., according to the release.

Liberty said pools should be secured with fences and locks so children won’t have access.

He said it’s important not only for pool owners who have children to secure their pools, but anyone with a pool, since they are inviting to children.

“Without parental supervision, it’s obviously a dangerous environment,” Liberty said.

Paul Koenig — 621-5663
[email protected]

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