A five-year-old boy died in apparent drowning at the beach, according to a news release issued today (Thursday, July 23) by the Port Aransas Police Department.
The child’s name wasn’t released, but PAPD Chief James Stokes said he was a Poteet resident.
Following is the full text of the news release:
“The Port Aransas Police Department is deeply saddened to report that a five-year-old child died following an apparent drowning incident on Wednesday evening, July 22, 2026.
“At approximately 5:35 p.m., officers with the Port Aransas Police Department responded to the beach near Beach Marker 46 after receiving a report of a child who had been pulled from the water and was not breathing.
“Upon arrival, a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Game Warden was already performing CPR on the child. Port Aransas officers assisted with lifesaving efforts, including the application of an automated external defibrillator (AED), while awaiting emergency medical services. EMS personnel transported the child to a local hospital for emergency treatment.
“Later that evening, the Port Aransas Police Department was notified that the child had succumbed to his injuries.
“The preliminary investigation indicates the child had been visiting the beach with his grandparents. Investigators learned that the child had been wearing a flotation device earlier in the day, which had been removed while the family was preparing to leave the beach. The child, who was unable to swim, was reported missing after family members briefly lost sight of him. He was subsequently located in the water near Beach Marker 46.
“The incident remains under investigation by the Port Aransas Police Department in coordination with the Nueces County Medical Examiner. At this time, there is no indication of foul play.”
The news release quoted Stokes.
“Our hearts are with this child’s family as they endure an unimaginable loss,” Stokes said. “This tragedy serves as a heartbreaking reminder that young children can disappear from sight in only moments, and constant, uninterrupted supervision around the water is essential. We ask our community to keep this family in their thoughts and prayers.”
The release continued:
“The Port Aransas Police Department encourages all beach visitors to practice water safety by:
Maintaining constant, arm’s-length supervision of young children.
Ensuring children who cannot swim wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket whenever they are near or in the water.
Never relying solely on flotation devices as a substitute for adult supervision.
Designating a responsible adult to actively watch children whenever they are in or around the water.
No further information is being released at this time out of respect for the family’s privacy and the ongoing investigation.”