A young boy has tragically drowned in a backyard pool near Shepparton, two hours north of Melbourne.
Emergency services were called to reports of a boy found unresponsive in a swimming pool at a home in Kialla yesterday.
Paramedics gave the eight-year-old medical assistance at the scene, but he sadly died.
(Nine)
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
Life Saving Victoria (LSV) called the tragedy “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.