Boy’s death sparks water safety warning

Police are warning residents, especially those new to Australia, not to swim unless they are aware of the dangers and hazzards after a 12-year-old boy drowned in Dandenong Creek in Doveton on Sunday.

By Callan Date
POLICE have issued a water safety warning after a 12-year-old boy drowned in Doveton on Sunday.
The boy was swimming in Dandenong Creek near Kidds Road with his brother at about 7pm when he got into difficulty in about three metres of water.
Endeavour Hills Sergeant John Blackburn said fellow swimmers and other people in the area tried to save the boy, who did not know how to swim and had only recently arrived in Australia from Africa.
“It would appear that the boys have been riding their bicycles along the track, and for whatever reason the boy has chosen to go for a swim,” Sgt Blackburn said.
He said the boy’s brother, along with others nearby, used sticks and other objects in an attempt to save him.
Sgt Blackburn said police were at the scene quickly.
“Senior Constable Kris Griffiths immediately entered the water and began searching. The water was extremely murky and he was unable to locate the boy,” he said.
Sgt Blackburn said a Police Search and Rescue team located the boy’s body just before 9.30pm.
“The distance from the side of the creek to where he got into trouble was very short,” he said.
“At various points the creek is shallow and at some points it can be as deep as three metres.”
Sgt Blackburn said it was not an offence to swim in the creek and sections of the waterway were popular swimming areas for youth.
“You really need to be aware of the dangers and hazards of swimming in these locations,” he said.
“There is a requirement to possess necessary water safety skills, always have a buddy with you and be aware of your surrounds.”
Sgt Blackburn said since the drowning he had spoken with several elders in the local community about the need for water education for new residents.
“A lot of people coming from overseas don’t posses the (swimming) skills that are required,” he said.
“The elders recognise that they need to educate their youth in water safety.”