Mother Charged After 4-Year-Old Drowns at Bradenton Pool Party

A tragic drowning at a pool party in Bradenton, Florida has resulted in criminal charges against a mother following the death of her 4-year-old daughter, according to the Bradenton Police Department.

What We Know About the Incident

According to the Bradenton Police Department, the incident occurred on May 10, 2026, at an apartment complex pool during a gathering.

Investigators report:

• A 4-year-old girl, who could not swim, entered the pool area
• Surveillance footage shows the child entering the water around 8:52 p.m.
• The child became submerged approximately three minutes later

Authorities say another adult noticed the child underwater and pulled her out at approximately 9:04 p.m.

Timeline and Medical Response

Officials confirmed:

• The child was reportedly underwater for about nine minutes
• She was transported to the hospital
• She was pronounced dead at 10:08 p.m.

Arrest and Charges

Police arrested the child’s mother, Rosette Pierrecius, 32, who now faces a charge of:

• Child neglect causing great bodily harm

According to investigators:

• The child was allegedly left unsupervised near the pool
• Surveillance video did not support the mother’s claim that others were watching the child
• Video reportedly showed the mother not actively supervising and instead using her cellphone and walking around the pool deck

Authorities also stated:

• The mother admitted to consuming alcohol
• A preliminary breath test showed a blood alcohol level of .124

The Dangers of Drowning in Children

Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death for young children, especially in pool settings.

Risk factors include:

• Lack of swimming ability
• Lack of constant supervision
• Distractions such as phones or social settings
• Alcohol impairment among supervising adults

Drowning can occur quickly and silently, often within minutes.

Importance of Active Supervision

Safety experts emphasize that young children should:

• Be under constant, direct supervision near water
• Never be left in the care of other children
• Be within arm’s reach of a responsible adult

Even brief lapses in attention can have devastating consequences.

Legal Implications

In Florida, child neglect charges may arise when a caregiver:

• Fails to provide adequate supervision
• Places a child in a dangerous situation
• Acts recklessly or under the influence while responsible for a child

Criminal charges may be accompanied by civil liability in certain cases.

Potential Wrongful Death Considerations

In drowning incidents, liability may extend beyond individuals to include:

• Property owners
• Event hosts
• Apartment complexes or pool operators

If unsafe conditions contributed to the incident, additional claims may be possible.

Investigation Ongoing

The Bradenton Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the drowning.

A Heartbreaking Loss

This is an unimaginable tragedy involving the loss of a young child. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we handle wrongful death and drowning cases across Florida. If your family has suffered a loss due to negligence, we are here to help you understand your legal rights.

We offer free consultations and handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning no fees unless we recover compensation for your family.