In a heartbreaking incident on February 9 in Peoria, the Salas family faced an unimaginable loss—their beloved three-year-old, Dominic Salas, drowned. The tragedy occurred at a house where Dominic’s mother was housesitting, prompting a frantic call to his uncle, TJ Thompson, who described Dominic as a vibrant, joyful child, always brimming with enthusiasm for life.

Remembering Dominic: A Life Full of Joy and Enthusiasm

Described by his family as “happy-go-lucky” and always sporting a smile, Dominic Salas was a vivacious toddler who adored dinosaurs, as evidenced by his constant wearing of dinosaur-themed slippers and making dinosaur noises while running around. Despite being deaf, Dominic was thriving at the Phoenix Day School for the Deaf, where he began learning his ABC’s in November 2023.

Addressing the Tragedy and Preventing Future Incidents

Reflecting on the incident, TJ Thompson emphasized the need to avoid playing the blame game, recognizing that drownings can occur swiftly and to anyone, regardless of precautions taken. Instead, he urged the community to prioritize water safety for children, advocating for swim lessons or classes to teach essential skills for avoiding drowning situations.

A Call to Action: Promoting Water Safety

Thompson’s message resonates as a crucial reminder for parents and caregivers everywhere. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death among children aged 1 to 4 years old, with most incidents occurring in home swimming pools.

Key Water Safety Recommendations:

• Enroll children in swim lessons from an early age.
• Always supervise children around water, even if they know how to swim.
• Install barriers such as fences around pools to prevent unsupervised access.
• Learn CPR, as it can be lifesaving in drowning emergencies.

Honoring Dominic’s Legacy

As the Salas family prepares for a memorial service to commemorate Dominic’s short but impactful life, their message echoes beyond their grief, urging communities to come together to prevent similar tragedies.

Advocating for Water Safety

Dominic Salas’s tragic passing serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of water safety, particularly for young children. In the wake of this devastating event, let us heed TJ Thompson’s call to action and prioritize measures to prevent drowning incidents, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and enjoy life to the fullest.

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