RIVER RANCH, FL — A child was airlifted to a hospital Saturday afternoon following a near drowning incident at River Ranch, according to Polk County Fire Rescue and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Polk County Fire Rescue crews were dispatched at approximately 2:54 p.m. on May 9, 2026, to the 3000 block of River Ranch Boulevard in reference to a possible drowning. Crews arrived on scene at 3:10 p.m. and located one patient.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the child reportedly ran from family members and entered an adult swimming pool. Lifeguards pulled the child from the water and immediately began lifesaving measures.
Authorities said the child became responsive before being transported from the scene by helicopter for additional treatment and observation at a hospital.
Polk County Fire Rescue cleared the scene at approximately 3:54 p.m. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE & POLK COUNTY FIRE RESCUE
