6-year-old hospitalized after near-drowning at soccer camp as lifeguard was reportedly on lunch break

The child was found underwater at a University of the District of Columbia pool. The incident is under review as the family seeks answers.

A 6-year-old attending a Nike Soccer Camp in Washington, D.C. was hospitalized after he was found at the bottom of a pool while the lifeguard on duty was away for lunch on Tuesday, July 21.

Adonis Jackson was attending a Nike Soccer Camp operated by Four Soccer at the University of the District of Columbia when counselors allowed approximately 30 children to enter the pool after the day’s activities, Live 5 News reported. The lifeguard told investigators that he had left for his lunch break shortly before the emergency.

A police report said counselors noticed Adonis underwater. One counselor entered the pool but could not lift him out, prompting the head coach to pull him from the water and begin CPR until emergency responders arrived.

The family’s attorney said Adonis was underwater for more than two minutes. He was later sedated, intubated and closely monitored at the hospital. The attorney said the family is trying to determine what happened and “to hold whoever is responsible accountable.”

The UDC pool incident is now under review. A university spokesperson said the pool would remain closed until that process is complete. The university had not announced findings as of the latest report.

The case comes weeks after a Virginia mother sought answers after her 9-year-old son died at a swim camp. King Overton was pulled unresponsive from a pool on his first day at the program, raising similar questions about supervision and water safety.

Those concerns are especially urgent during summer camp season. TheGrio’s pool and beach safety guidance says an adult should always monitor the water and recommends naming a dedicated water watcher when several adults are present.

Adonis’ family is now waiting to learn whether the incident may have lasting effects on his health. Additionally, Jackson’s near-drowning also leaves unanswered questions about why children were allowed into the pool while no lifeguard was present and how long it took adults to reach him.