Boy critical after near-drowning

SHOOTING SCENE
Police are at the scene after a young boy was pulled from the water at Whitlam Leisure Centre. Picture: Newswire / Gaye Gerard

A young boy is fighting for his life in hospital after he was pulled from a Sydney public pool on Sunday.

The two-year-old was rushed to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in a serious condition after he was located unconscious at the Whitlam Leisure Centre in Liverpool shortly after 1.30pm.

A NSW Police spokeswoman said officers attended the scene and have began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Supplied Editorial Whitlam Leisure Centre, Liverpool, Sydney. Picture: instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whitlamleisurecentre/
The Whitlam Leisure Centre in Liverpool. Picture: Instagram/whitlamleisurecentre

The boy was removed from the water after being spotted by patrons before lifeguards began CPR.

“Bystanders helped the 2-year-old boy before he was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics,” the spokeswoman said.
“He was taken to hospital in a stable condition for further treatment.”

The Whitlam Leisure Centre was evacuated and shared on social media they were closed on Sunday afternoon.

Supplied Editorial Whitlam Leisure Centre, Liverpool, Sydney. Picture: instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whitlamleisurecentre/
The 1600m2 centre recently was refurbished. Picture: Instagram/whitlamleisurecentre

Last month, the centre posted a message on its website urging parents of young children to maintain constant adult supervision.

“Most fatal drownings in young children aged 0-4 years occurred in swimming pools and bathtubs,” the message read.

“All children and weak or non-swimmers should have constant adult supervision from parents or carers when in and around water.

“While we do have lifeguards prepared for extreme circumstances, it is important that parents and guardians are fully aware of what their children are doing at all times.”

Belgravia Leisure, which operates the centre, has been contacted for comment.