A drowning incident has left the Heidelberg community in mourning after a two-year-old girl lost her life on the afternoon of May 20.

Emergency services and community responders were dispatched to a local residence following reports that the child had allegedly fallen into a swimming pool.

The emergency alert was circulated through a community WhatsApp group, prompting a rapid response from members of the Rensburg Forum and Heidelberg Volunteer Medics and First Responders.

According to information from responders on the scene, Jonathan Neto of the Rensburg Forum was among the first to arrive.

Despite having no formal medical training, he immediately stepped in to assist the child while receiving telephonic guidance from a medic until additional emergency personnel reached the scene.

Shortly afterwards, emergency teams from Heidelberg Volunteer Medics and First Responders, Gauteng Emergency Medical Services, and Netcare 911 joined efforts in an extensive attempt to save the young girl’s life.

Advanced life support procedures and resuscitation efforts continued for more than an hour as emergency personnel fought desperately to revive the child.

Despite all attempts by responders, the toddler was declared deceased. The incident has deeply affected not only the child’s family, but also emergency responders and members of the local community who witnessed the tragedy unfold.

In a statement following the incident, Heidelberg Volunteer Medics and First Responders commended Neto for his courage and willingness to assist during an emotionally distressing situation.

The organisation also expressed gratitude to all emergency services and community role players who worked together.

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