Two toddlers are in critical condition after a near drowning incident in Randburg, in Johannesburg, said paramedics.
The in incident happened on Tuesday at about 15:20, said Emer-G-Med paramedics.
The paramedics responded to residential premises in the Randburg area at approximately 15:20 for reports of a drowning.
Two young boys, a three-year-old and an 18-month-old, were discovered in critical condition after being submerged in the family swimming pool.
“Several life support intervention methods were needed to stabilise the boys before a decision was made to activate the Netcare 911 aeromedical helicopter teams. A nearby landing zone was established and Netcare 2 and Netcare 3 landed on the scene within minutes.”
The toddlers were airlifted to a specialist facility for necessary care. They are both still in critical condition.
With the prevalence of drowning incidents around swimming pools, Arrive Alive gives the following swimming pool safety tips:
- Active supervision- When infants or toddlers are in or near water, an adult should be within arms reach to provide active supervision.
- When children are near water, parents should avoid distractions and give them their undivided attention!
- Even experienced swimmers require adult supervision. Children who are unable to swim should be provided with life jackets.
- Parents should not only supervise but also advise their children about pool safety.
- Running on slick surfaces is dangerous to everyone around. Someone could fall into the pool, accidentally push a smaller child into the water, or slip on the slick pool deck, injuring themselves.
- Avoid drains, filters, and water intakes. Tangled hair or clothing can become entangled in these structures, potentially trapping a child underwater.
- Remove pool toys- do not leave pool toys in the water. While attempting to retrieve a toy, a child may fall into the water.
Source: The South African, SABC News, Times Live, image from Twitter: @StarFMNews919