Boy, 3, drowns in pool
2006-12-15 08:38
Johannesburg - A three-year-boy drowned in a swimming pool at Lenasia, southern Johannesburg, on Thursday afternoon, paramedics said.
Netcare 911 spokesperson Nick Dollman said the boy had been swimming in the Extension 10 municipal swimming pool around 14:30.
"We could not immediately establish how the accident happened because there were more than 120 visitors to the pool today (Thursday), 100 of which were children," said Dollman.
He said the boy was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.
In another incident, a five-year-old boy nearly drowned in a public pool around 13;00 on Thursday.
Dollman said the boy was confused but conscious when paramedics arrived at the scene.
After receiving help from the rescuers, the boy was taken to Chris Hani-Baragwanath Hospital in a stable condition.
"The incidents show how easy it is for a child to drown even when there are other people around.
"Parents and child-minders are advised to avoid letting children out of their sights to prevent further tragedies."
Dollman said Thursday's incidents brought to 11 the number of children - younger than 10 years - who drowned in Johannesburg since December 1.
The City of Johannesburg said it was investigating all drowning incidents in the metro's swimming pools.
"Children will not be allowed access to our pools if they are by themselves," said spokesperson Gabu Tugwana.
He urged parents to always accompany their children "to keep them out of danger".
- SAPA