A three-year-old boy drowned on Sunday in a home in Bleckley County, Georgia, after the life jacket he was wearing was not properly secured, local authorities reported.

The victim was identified as James Joseph Farland Jr. County Coroner Michael Francis ruled the death accidental, according to the Daily Mail.

As the official explained, the minor was wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident, but it was not adjusted correctly between his legs, which would have allowed the child to slide until he was in a dangerous position underwater.

“It was an unfortunate accident,” Francis told local media.

Relatives started fundraising to cover funeral expenses

After the death of the minor, his parents started a fundraising campaign to cover the expenses associated with the funeral.

“My son died tragically drowning in a pool and we lost him too soon,” wrote his father, James Farland, in the message released along with the initiative.

He added that the event has had a deep emotional impact on the entire family.

"My wife, I and our entire family are trying to come to terms with this loss. We miss him every day," he said.

School and authorities called to reinforce security measures

The boy's school also issued a message of condolences after learning of the death.

"We are devastated by the loss of James, one of our little students. His smile, happy spirit and personality brought happiness to those who knew him," the educational institution said.

For its part, the Bleckley County Sheriff's Office reminded the importance of using approved and properly fitted life jackets for young children.

The authorities recommended verifying that all leashes are securely fastened before entering the water and reinforcing the constant supervision of minors in swimming pools.

“We ask families to use this tragedy as a reminder to take extra safety measures around the water,” the sheriff's office said.