A 2-year-old boy has been hospitalized after nearly drowning aboard the Carnival Splendor. According to reports, Saturday around 3:00 p.m. while the ship was docked at Port Miami, the toddler’s mother lost sight of him briefly and minutes later found him in one of the ship’s pools. A passenger aboard the ship who is a paramedic rendered assistance and the child was taken to the ship’s infirmary. The toddler was then transferred by local emergency personnel to Jackson Memorial Hospital. The toddler was reportedly conscious and stable at the time of his transfer to the hospital. We sincerely wish the young child a speedy recovery and send our best to his family.

Just three months ago, we reported on the tragic death of an 8 year-old-boy aboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas. Still, cruise lines continue to refuse to provide lifeguards on their ships claiming they comply with all safety requirements by posting visible signs alerting passengers to the fact that a lifeguard is not on duty and that children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Carnival carries approximately 700,000 children a year aboard its ships. While failing to provide lifeguards to protect children, it advertises and promotes, unlimited all-inclusive beverage packages with its Cheers! Program. No doubt, parents must supervise their children but cruise lines should be required to protect the safety of their passengers by implementing simple safety measures such as lifeguards.

Sources and Photo source:

Child Almost Drowns of Carnival Cruise Ship, Cruise Hive, October 9, 2016.

Photo by Carnival