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Boy, 3, drowns in family pool despite wearing life vest — because a crucial step was missed

A 3-year-old boy has died after drowning in a swimming pool in Georgia. The drowning happened Sunday at a home in Bleckley County. Sheriffâs office officials said the investigation is ongoing, but early findings indicate the death was accidental. Coroner Michael Francis identified the child as James Joseph Farland Jr. Our hearts are broken over the loss of sweet James, one of our precious little ones in our Project Step classroom at Bleckley Primary School. His beautiful smile, joyful spirit, and precious personality brought happiness to everyone around him. James was dearly loved by his teacher Christina Herrington Murray, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. There are simply no words to ease the pain of such a tragic loss. We grieve alongside his loved ones and pray that they find comfort and strength in the days ahead. Though his time here was far too short, the memories of his sweet smile and the joy he brought will forever be treasured https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=893914990391377&set=a.149455924837291

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A 3-year-old boy drowned in a home swimming pool while wearing a life vest that was not strapped properly, according to officials.

The child, identified as James by his school, drowned in Bleckley County in central Georgia on Sunday in what the county coroner has described as a “freak, tragic accident.”

The child was wearing the floatation device, but it was not strapped properly between the toddler’s legs, Bleckley County Coroner Michael Francis told WGXA.

Francis did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.

“Please use this tragic event as a reminder to be extra vigilant with pool safety around children,” the Bleckley County Sheriff’s Office said.

Bleckley County Primary School later identified the child as James and officials said they were “heartbroken.”

James, the school said in a statement, had a “beautiful smile, joyful spirit, and precious personality.”

“There are simply no words to ease the pain of such a tragic loss,” the school wrote.

“Though his time here was far too short, the memories of his sweet smile and the joy he brought will forever be treasured.”

Drowning is the No. 1 cause of death in the US for children ages 1 to 4.

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