Toddler found alone on speedboat; mom and boyfriend arrested

A toddler was found alone on a speedboat in Southern California over the weekend, leading to the arrest of his mother and the woman’s boyfriend, police said.

A concerned citizen called 911 shortly before 5 p.m. Sunday to report seeing a tot “precariously lying” on the swimstep of a power boat docked in Marina del Rey – a popular boating destination in suburban Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department stated in an Instagram post.

The sheriff’s Harbor Patrol boat and assisting patrol units raced to the scene and discovered the youngster unattended on the vessel.

The boy could be seen in a photo released by the sheriff’s office wearing a black Nike t-shirt while being cradled by a smiling female deputy.

After being medically cleared by first responders, he was turned over to the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services.

“Fearing the worst, deputies requested additional resources to search for the toddlers [sic] missing guardian(s),” the sheriff’s post stated.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department’s lifeguards were also brought in to carry out an underwater search.

A few hours later, the tot’s mother and her boyfriend showed up at the marina and were arrested for child endangerment, the agency said.

Officials have not shared any further details surrounding the incident.

The sheriff’s office thanked the public for staying alert and speaking out when they see something suspicious.  

“In this instance they most likely saved the life of an innocent toddler,” the authorities said.