Two small children AIRLIFTED after near-drowning in Randburg

Two children were airlifted after a near-drowning incident in Randburg on Tuesday, 3 January 2023.

Children in critical condition after near-drowning

Emer-G-Med paramedics responded to a 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 advanced life support intervention methods were required to stabilise the boys before the Netcare911 aeromedical helicopter teams were activated.

A nearby landing zone was established, and Netcare 2 and Netcare 3 arrived minutes later.

Both boys were airlifted to a specialist facility for the necessary definitive care.

They are still in critical condition.

Safety tips around swimming pools

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 arm’s 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.

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