Griffith residents are devastated following the death of a “sweet” and “cheeky” toddler.
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The 19-month-old boy is believed to have drowned in his family’s Benerembah swimming pool on Sunday morning.
The little boy was rushed to Griffith Base Hospital but could not be revived.
The incident is under investigation by Griffith Local Area Command (LAC) officers, who will prepare a brief of evidence for the coroner.
Griffith mayor John Dal Broi offered his condolences and sympathies to the family.
“The whole community would feel for the family and the grief that they’re going through losing a toddler of 19 months old, as a grandparent I have grandchildren that age and I can just imagine the trauma the family is going through,” Cr Dal Broi said.
“We’ve just got to be vigilant around small children around water, you cannot take your eyes off them for a second.”
People took to Facebook to express their shock and grief.
“Such sad news. Sending love to the family,” one person wrote.
“Thinking of the family at this terrible time. I cannot imagine your heartbreak… rest in peace gorgeous boy,” another wrote.
In NSW an average of 11 children under five years of age drown annually, with a further 62 children being admitted to hospital each year for near drowning.
Children under five years of age have the highest mortality rate out of any age group, with approximately 70 per cent of drowning deaths occurring in swimming pools.
All pool owners should check their swimming pool regularly throughout the year, especially in the months leading up to summer.
Griffith City Council's director of sustainable development, Neil Southorn, said his heart went out to the family at this difficult time.
“Currently, we are not aware of the details surrounding this tragic incident, however council will be involved in due course to assist the authorities with their investigation,” Mr Southorn said.
“Council remains committed to pool compliance, regularly undertakes community awareness programs and has a program of scheduled inspections to ensure pools and spas are compliant with legislative requirements.
From April 29 pool owners have been required to register backyard swimming pools online at www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au