CPS Opens Case After 2-Year-Old ‘Almost Died’ in Backyard Pool — When the Case Closed, This Mom Says She Was ‘Torn’ by the Result
For Mara, the warm July afternoon began like any other — laughter, splashing, and the innocent joy of her children playing in the backyard. But in a matter of seconds, everything changed. Her 2-year-old daughter, who had been giggling by the poolside moments earlier, slipped beneath the surface unnoticed. When Mara found her, the toddler was unresponsive. What followed was every parent’s worst nightmare — a desperate rush to save her child’s life.
“I remember screaming her name and pulling her out of the water,” Mara told People in an emotional interview. “She was blue. I thought she was gone.” Acting on pure instinct, Mara began CPR while calling for help. Miraculously, after what felt like an eternity, her daughter coughed and gasped for air. Paramedics arrived within minutes, stabilizing her before rushing to the hospital.
The doctors called it a miracle. The toddler had suffered a near-drowning but was expected to make a full recovery. For Mara, the relief was overwhelming — her baby girl was alive. But just days later, another blow came when Child Protective Services (CPS) opened an investigation into the incident.
“I understand why they have to do it,” she said. “But as a mom, it’s one of the hardest things you can go through — being questioned right after nearly losing your child.”
According to Mara, the CPS caseworker was respectful but thorough, asking about everything from pool safety precautions to daily supervision routines. Mara, who is a mom of six, said she cooperated fully and wanted to ensure the case was handled transparently. “I knew I didn’t do anything wrong,” she said. “Accidents happen, but I also knew they needed to see that I take my kids’ safety seriously.”
Over the following weeks, the case took an emotional toll. CPS made several home visits, checking the pool area, interviewing family members, and reviewing medical reports. “It felt like my motherhood was under a microscope,” Mara shared. “Even though I knew I’d done everything I could, there was always that fear — what if they think I’m a bad mom?”
Five weeks later, the investigation was officially closed with no findings of neglect. The relief was immediate — but so was a wave of mixed emotions. “I was happy it was over,” Mara said softly. “But I was also torn. Part of me wanted accountability — for the system to do more to help parents after something like this, not just investigate them.”
Mara now advocates for more compassionate approaches to child safety investigations, particularly when trauma is involved. “We need support, not judgment,” she said. “When something so traumatic happens, you’re already blaming yourself. What parents need is guidance, someone to say, ‘You did your best — let’s make sure this never happens again.’”
Her daughter, now healthy and thriving, has no memory of that terrifying day. But Mara says the experience has changed her forever. The pool is now fenced with multiple locks, and she has taken every extra precaution she can think of. Still, the emotional scars linger.
“I can’t walk by that pool without seeing her face that day,” she said. “But every time I see her laugh now, I remember how lucky we are.”
The story has resonated with parents across the country, many of whom have faced similar close calls. For Mara, sharing it publicly was never about seeking sympathy — it was about awareness. “I want people to know how fast it can happen,” she said. “You can look away for one second, and your life can change.”
While the CPS case is behind her, Mara’s journey toward healing continues. “I’m grateful for the second chance I got,” she said. “It reminded me that being a mom isn’t about being perfect — it’s about never giving up, no matter what.”
