Tragic Drowning in El Portal: 4-Year-Old Girl Dies After Being Found in Pool

A heartbreaking incident occurred in El Portal, Florida, on Friday, June 27, 2025, as a 4-year-old girl tragically lost her life after drowning in a residential swimming pool. According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, the child was discovered unresponsive and “floating in a pool” before being transported to a nearby hospital. Despite resuscitation efforts, including CPR performed by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, she was later pronounced dead.

Authorities have not yet released details regarding how the child ended up in the pool, and the incident remains under investigation. Video from the scene showed law enforcement officers canvassing the property for answers while neighbors watched with concern and sadness.

This devastating incident is yet another reminder of how fast and silently a drowning can occur. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4 in the United States. The CDC reports that approximately 11 children die from drowning every day, underscoring the urgent need for preventive measures and public awareness.

Tragically, drownings often happen during moments when adults believe the child is safe, frequently during gatherings or brief lapses in supervision. Unlike the dramatic scenes often portrayed in media, drownings are typically silent, with no screaming or splashing.

Legal Considerations in Pool Drowning Cases

While the investigation is still underway, the tragic loss of life raises important questions about potential negligence or premises liability. In Florida, property owners—especially those with swimming pools—have a legal obligation to take steps to prevent accidental drownings, particularly involving children.

Under Florida’s Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (Chapter 515, Florida Statutes), residential pools must meet at least one of the following safety features:

• A barrier (such as a fence) that is at least 4 feet high and separates the pool from the home
• A pool cover that meets the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) safety standards
• Alarms on all doors and windows with direct access to the pool
• A self-closing, self-latching device on all doors that provide direct access to the pool

Failure to comply with these safety requirements can be used as evidence of negligence in civil lawsuits.

If the investigation finds that the pool was improperly secured or lacked required safety features, the homeowners or property managers could potentially be held liable for wrongful death under Florida premises liability laws.

The community of El Portal and the greater Miami-Dade area are grieving the loss of a young life that ended far too soon. Neighbors and first responders expressed sadness and heartbreak at the scene, while authorities continue to investigate what led to the fatal drowning.

This tragedy serves as a solemn call for all Floridians to evaluate the safety of their homes and surroundings—especially when children are present. In a state known for its year-round swimming weather, water safety must be a top priority.

Safety Tips for Parents and Caregivers

To prevent similar tragedies in the future, the following safety tips are crucial for any home with a pool or children who may be around water:

1. Install a 4-sided isolation fence that completely separates the pool from the house and yard.
2. Use self-closing and self-latching gates, with latches high enough to be out of children’s reach.
3. Always provide close, constant supervision when children are in or around water. Designate a “water watcher.”
4. Enroll children in swim lessons as early as possible to teach basic survival skills.
5. Learn CPR so you can respond quickly in an emergency.
6. Use pool alarms or surface motion detectors for added layers of protection.
7. Store pool toys out of sight so children aren’t tempted to reach for them unsupervised.