Edenvale father hopes to create awareness after son drowns in family’s swimming pool
“After retrieving the body, I tried to resuscitate my son and then rushed him to hospital.”
An Edenvale father, Saviour Amaechi, hopes to create awareness about the importance of keeping children safe around pools.
This comes after Saviour’s four-year-old son, Victory, fell into the pool at his home where it is believed he drowned on February 24.
Victory celebrated his fourth birthday on February 9.
“I miss my son, I miss having fun with him. We went everywhere and did everything together.”
Saviour said shortly before the incident the family was relaxing at home after church.
His wife, Vivian, was making lunch and was preparing the children’s school bags.
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“The pool can only be accessed by a gate, which is always locked,” said Saviour.
“We hide the key on top of one of the cupboards, but Victory knew where it was.”
Saviour said Victory’s older sister wanted to go outside and he believes Victory showed her where the keys for the gate were.
He said, unbeknown to him, his two daughters opened the gate to the pool to visit their friend next door.
“When they returned, I heard their voices. I was a bit mad at them and shouted at them asking how they had got out?”
Saviour asked his daughters if they had seen Victory, but they had not.
“My mind went straight to the pool and that’s where we found him.”
Saviour said one of Victory’s toys was also found in the pool.
He believes while the gate was open Victory went outside and slipped into the pool.
“After retrieving the body, I tried to resuscitate my son and then rushed him to hospital,” said Saviour.
He said everything happened in the space of five minutes.
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A family friend, Iyke Mayor, described Victory as a lovely, charming young boy whom everyone loved.
“He was a very happy boy, easy to recognise. He liked to be in control,” said Iyke.
Saviour said his son loved to play soccer and with his toy cars.
Saviour encouraged parents to take pool safety seriously.
He said parents need to do everything they can to protect their children.
“It is never too early for a child to start swimming lessons, the earlier they start the better.
“No matter how careful you are, you need to keep an eye on your child 24/7.”
Edenvale SAPS spokesperson Sgt Jacob Mashile said an inquest docket was opened following Victory’s death.
He said an investigation is underway and police are waiting for the post-mortem results.
