large pond, the

A four-year-old child drowned in a large pond in Mnandi Centurion. Photo: Nthabiseng Madumo/Stock

Tragic! 4-year-old boy found dead in a large pond in Centurion

CERT-SA said it is unknown exactly how long the boy was submerged underwater in a large pond before he was found by his parents.

large pond, the

A four-year-old child drowned in a large pond in Mnandi Centurion. Photo: Nthabiseng Madumo/Stock

A four-year-old boy tragically drowned in a large pond at a smallholding in Mnandi, Centurion on Tuesday evening.

BOY FOUND BY PARENTS INSIDE THE POND

According to CERT-SA spokesperson, Ruan Heyns, when they arrived at the scene, they found members of the Olievenhoutbosch CPF in attendance and providing CPR to the child. 

“It is unknown exactly how long the child was submerged underwater in the large pond before he was found by his parents. Bystanders initiated CPR,”

said Heyns.

Sadly the boy child was pronounced dead on the scene following several minutes of CPR. 

Heyns said the exact circumstances surrounding the incident are not clear at this time. The police have opened an investigation. 

He also thanked the Olievenhoutbosch CPF, Netcare911 and Olievenhoutbosch SAPS for the assistance on the scene.

WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY:

  • In an emergency, the first priority is to get the victim out of the water. 
  • Make sure it is safe to enter the water. Do not become a victim yourself. If the victim is struggling, give him or her something to hold on to, such as a branch or a floatation device. Remember that someone who is panicking can drag the person trying to help into danger too.
  • Handle the victim with care to avoid aggravating a potential neck or back injury. Many people are injured while diving headfirst into the water without having checked the depth of the water.
  • If you are with other people, have someone call emergency medical services for help. Memorise the number of emergency medical services in your area, save it on your cell phone and keep it written down next to your landline telephone. You can contact Netcare 911 on 082 911 from anywhere in the country. 
  • However, give the dispatcher an accurate location of the scene as well as a contact number. Do not hang up.
  • A basic course in first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can make a dramatic difference in an emergency if it is done correctly and timeously.

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