Palmerston toddler, three, survives near-drowning, with water safety concerns reignited

A toddler’s near-drowning at a Top End home has renewed concerns for pool and waterway safety in the Territory.

A Palmerston toddler’s near-drowning has once again raised concerns surrounding pool and waterway safety in the Territory.

St John NT Territory Response Manager Craig Garraway said paramedics were called to the scene in Palmerston about 10.30am on Wednesday, September 18.

Mr Garraway said the three-year-old boy was in a stable condition by the time help arrived.

He said the boy was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital for further assessment.

“This is a timely reminder that as the weather starts to warm up, (people should) keep an eye on children in and around pools and natural waterways,” he said.

“Ensure you know the vital first aid skills to assist if there is an incident and in case of emergency call triple-0.”

According to Royal Life Saving Australia, the NT recorded the highest 20-year average rate of drowning deaths in the country for the 2002-2022 period.

There were 3.68 drowning deaths per 100,000 people, with 140 recorded in total for the period.

Tasmania recorded the second-highest drowning rate in the country with 2.05 incidents per 100,000 people.

Originally published as Palmerston toddler, three, survives near-drowning, with water safety concerns reignited