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

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

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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.”

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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.”

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