Babysitter arrested after 1-year-old boy nearly drowns in bathtub in El Mirage

The El Mirage Police Department said a woman was arrested and charged with child endangerment after a 1-year-old boy nearly drowned and was found unresponsive at a home in El Mirage on Thursday.

Fire and police officials were called to the home at approximately 8:35 p.m. where they found the boy unresponsive.

Paramedics performed emergency life-saving measures on the child and took him to a hospital. He was then air-lifted to Phoenix Children's Hospital where he was in critical condition.

The drowning happened at the home of a babysitter, Cynthia Gaddy, 49, who was arrested on suspicion of child endangerment.

An initial investigation indicates a mother dropped off her three children — ages 1, 3 and 7— at Gaddy's home Thursday.

Around 8:30 p.m., Gaddy gave the 1-year-old boy and 3-year-old child a bath. Officers said they believe Gaddy's attention was diverted, and she went to another part of the house. When she returned, the 1-year-old boy was under water.

An investigation was ongoing.

Bath safety tips

El Mirage Fire Department shared to their Facebook Page tips on bath safety:

• Collect all bathing material before starting the bath.
• Typical water temperature for baby is 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit.
• No water should be in adult tub or sink. Keep adult drain open when using baby tub.
• Never lift tub or seat with baby in it.
• Bath seats should only be used with child who can sit unassisted
• Ignore distractions! Never leave child unattended.

Reach breaking news reporter Haleigh Kochanski at hkochanski@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @HaleighKochans.

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