A toddler has died following a drowning incident in a stormwater pond in New Horizons, Plettenberg Bay, on Friday. The child, who was in the care of his grandmother at the time, fell into the muddy water while playing with two other children. Police have opened an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances of the death.
Rescue Efforts at the New Horizons Pond
The tragedy occurred in a wooded area near Mandela Park between 14:30 and 16:30. According to local councillor Claude Terblanche, the three children had been playing together and decided to wash their hands in the pond before heading home. While at the water’s edge, the toddler lost his footing and fell into the pool.
Two children, described as being between six and seven years old, attempted to save their friend. Councillor Terblanche stated that the boys held onto the toddler’s arm in a desperate attempt to pull him to safety, but they were ultimately unable to maintain their grip. A multi-agency search and rescue operation was launched, involving the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Plettenberg Bay fire and rescue services, Western Cape emergency medical services, and local law enforcement. NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon confirmed that rescue teams utilized water extrication pumps to drain the pond, where the child’s body was eventually recovered.
Did You Know? The rescue operation required the deployment of specialized water extrication pumps to drain the pond before the child’s body could be located and recovered by emergency personnel.
Investigation and Community Response
Following the recovery of the child, police officially opened an inquest docket. The investigation is ongoing as officials review the circumstances surrounding the drowning.
The local community and the Bitou municipality have expressed their condolences to the grieving family. The Plett Community Updates group noted the profound shock felt by residents and praised the swift, collective response of the volunteers and emergency teams who worked to locate the child during the search.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the investigation?
Police have opened an inquest docket, and the circumstances surrounding the death are currently under investigation.
Who was supervising the child at the time of the incident?
According to Councillor Claude Terblanche, the toddler was in the custody of his grandmother at the time of the drowning.
How did the other children involved attempt to help?
The two other children, aged between six and seven, reportedly tried to hold onto the toddler’s arm to pull him out of the water after he slipped, but they were unable to hold on as he disappeared into the pond.
How can local authorities better secure infrastructure to prevent similar tragedies in residential play areas?