Toddler drowns in residential pool in Umbilo
Another drowning incident hit Umbilo this morning, following a two-year-old's fatal accident. As the summer season approaches, parents and child-minders are urged to take extra care, and keep tabs on their children.
A toddler has died after a drowning incident in a residential pool on Holmes Avenue in Umbilo this morning.
ALS Paramedics Medical Services reported, “We arrived on the scene to find community members attempting to resuscitate the toddler, believed to be approximately two years of age. Advanced Life Support Paramedics immediately took over with resuscitation efforts; however, after some time, the toddler showed no improvement and was declared deceased on the scene.”
The Umbilo Youth Crime Prevention Desk extended its condolences to the family and loved ones of the toddler. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this unimaginable time of loss,” shared Keyuren Maharaj, chairperson of the youth desk.
Also read: Woman dies after allegedly drowning at Umbilo home
He advised, “As we approach the summer season, we are gently reminded of the importance of pool safety for young children. We encourage our community to come together in supporting the grieving family and to remain vigilant in safeguarding our little ones around pools.
“On behalf of the Umbilo Youth Crime Prevention Desk, we mourn with the family and reaffirm our commitment to building a safer, more caring community for all.”
Child Safe shared tips on prevention of swimming pool drownings:
- Always supervise your children while they’re in or near water. Give them your undivided attention, even if they know how to swim.
- Never leave small children unattended in the bath. Ignore the phone and the doorbell. If the disruption is unavoidable, take the child with you when you attend to the call.
- Always empty baths, buckets, containers and paddling pools immediately after use. If you must keep them full, keep them behind locked doors.
- Always fit lids firmly on buckets of water and nappy buckets.
- Always keep toilet seats closed and install locks on toilet seat
- Always keep doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms closed
- Use a non-slip mat in the bath.
- Teach everyone in the household simple rescue methods and first aid — especially resuscitation methods.
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