Child drowns in unprotected pool

2008-12-02 11:01

Johannesburg - A toddler drowned at a swimming pool in Van Dyk Park in Ekurhuleni on Monday, paramedics said.

"Two toddlers got into trouble in an unprotected swimming pool and were rushed to the community clinic where paramedics were called to assist shortly before 17:00," spokesperson Nick Dollman said.

He said a two-year-old boy was taken to the Tambo Memorial hospital for further assessment and treatment.

"Tragically there was nothing that the medical team could do for his cousin and she was declared dead at the clinic," Dollman said.

8th drowning in 12 days

This incident brings to eight the number of drowning incidents around Johannesburg involving children under the age of five in the past 12 days.

On Friday, a child drowned in a fish pond in the East Rand.

"Parents cannot expect to protect their children from all dangers... but they can protect swimming pools with physical barriers such as safety nets and fences," Dollman said.

- SAPA