SALINA, Utah (ABC 4 News) - A 22-month-old Sevier County girl was flown to Primary Children's Medical Center Tuesday afternoon after being pulled from a water-filled canal near her family's home in Salina.
Initial reports listed the child in very serious condition, Sheriff's authorities say. The little girl was found by her father. Investigators say she was unresponsive and not breathing as medics arrived. The father and the child's grandmother attempted to give the toddler CPR at the scene.
Investigators say they are looking into how the little girl got into the canal in the first place. The water level in that canal is at near full capacity, according to the Sevier County Sheriff's office.
Emergency officials are reminding the public to be very attentive of children around waterways this spring and summer.
Late Wednesday afternoon, ABC 4 News spoke with the girl's father Michael Petersen, who said she is in fair condition and improving, although she faces some health risks.
Petersen said the girl was in the water no longer than 10 minutes and had fallen into the canal and traveled more than 200 yards before she was found.
Petersen thanked the Sevier County Sheriff's office, Richfield Hospital and North Sevier EMS officials for their handling during his family's difficult time.
