AN Umbilo family is mourning the loss of their six-year-old child who was found deceased in a residential pool on Monday evening, following a frantic search after he was reported missing at around 18:00.

ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jameison said they were alerted to the search, and while on standby at “around 20:35 patrollers and security officials combing the area found the child in a residential pool in Brazilia Place in Umbilo area”.

He said, “Immediately the child was pulled from the pool and ALS Paramedics dispatched to assist. Unfortunately the child had suffered fatal injuries and there was nothing paramedics could do for the little boy who was six years old and he was declared deceased on the scene. The scene was cordoned off and handed over to SAPS.”

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Umbilo CPF chairperson, Calvin Thomas, extended their condolences to the grieving family and asked that they be given space to grieve. He said, “This unfortunate drowning incident led to a delay in sharing information, as we aimed to prevent family members from learning about the tragic news through social media as not all family members were present / contactable at the time of him being located.

“We extend our gratitude to all volunteers, residents, Neighborhood Watch members, CPF personnel, civic and NPO/NGO organisations and numerous security companies for their collective efforts in the search and support to locate the child. We ask that you keep the family in your prayers and allow them the space to grieve.”

The Umbilo Youth Crime Prevention Desk (YCPD) also sent their condolences to the family and appreciation to the community who came together to search for the missing child. Umbilo YCPD chairperson Keyuren Maharaj said, “We commend and thank every resident who joined the search, along with the emergency services who responded. This tragic event is a painful reminder of the importance of safety measures around swimming pools. We urge all parents, caregivers, and pool owners to remain vigilant and take precaution to protect our children.”

Jamieson said the exact events leading up to the drowning are unknown. “SAPS were in attendance and will be investigating further,” he added.