Tragedy as young boy drowns in swimming pool north of Melbourne

Emergency services were called to reports of a boy found unresponsive in a swimming pool at a home in Kialla yesterday evening.

Paramedics performed CPR on the eight-year-old at the scene, but he sadly died.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

The newly opened G.J. Gardner display home where the tragedy unfolded was around the corner from the boy’s home, where he had wandered away from a family birthday.

“We did hear that he did have special needs. The family was looking around,” neighbour Mert Tetik said.

”They’ve obviously never thought that that’s where he would be located.

“It’s quite devastating. It’s obviously shook us as a community as well.”

A G.J. Gardner spokesperson said the business was “devastated” to learn of the accidental drowning.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the young boy, and our thoughts remain with them as they navigate this heartbreaking time,” the spokesperson said.

Fencing was in place around the pool in question and it was in compliance with all pool safety regulations, according to the company.

“We will continue to do everything within our power to support the authorities with their investigation,” the spokesperson said.

“We are also providing support to the Shepparton team as they are understandably distressed by this tragedy.”

Life Saving Victoria (LSV) called the death “a sad and timely reminder” to keep children safe around water.

“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragic incident in Kialla,” an LSV spokesperson said.

“Children remain one of the highest risk groups for drowning with home pools, bathtubs and dams leading locations for these incidents.

“We encourage parents and caregivers to actively supervise children at all times when around water, enrol your child in swimming and water safety lessons, learn CPR so you can assist in an emergency, and restrict children’s access to pools and other water bodies by ensuring there are sufficient barriers in place.”

Home pools must have a compliant and tested pool safety barrier, including a self-closing, self-latching gate and a non-climbable perimeter.