INLSA
Sam Brown (4) and Josh Brown (3) play in the children’s pool at the Linden Public swimming pool, in Johannesburg. Picture: Jennifer Bruce
A two-year-old boy drowned on Thursday morning, in a swimming pool at a residence in Amanzimtoti, Durban.
It’s believed family members were searching for the toddler when they discovered his body floating in the pool.
Netcare911 spokesman Jeff Wicks says a relative immediately pulled the child from the pool and initiated CPR while emergency services were called to the scene.
Wicks says when medics arrived, they took over care of the child, but despite their best efforts to revive the boy, he died at his home.
Meanwhile the Child Accident Prevention Foundation of South Africa (CAPFSA) says young children are particularly vulnerable to drowning incidents over the festive period.
Spokeswoman for the organisation, Dorothy Schulman, says the open water is inviting on hot days.
“Our advice has always been to supervise children, even if they can swim. We recommend a three step protection of residential swimming areas that includes: fully fenced in areas, with a pool covering and an alarm bell on the access gate or pool net.”
Schulman says it’s not only swimming pools that should be guarded, but Jacuzzis, fish ponds, large buckets of water, and plastic and blow up paddling pools too.
“In South Africa, we have a very relaxed attitude about water safety. One of the top three reasons of child death, is drowning,” she said.
“The most vulnerable age group ranges from babies who can crawl up until six and seven year old’s.”
Parents should consider it an investment in safety to send their children to swimming classes as an added precaution, Schulman said.
Media reports over the past month have pegged the number of drownings across the country, at an estimated 23. – IOL
www.childsafe.org.za
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Safety warning as toddler drowns in pool