WorkSafe launch investigation after child drowns in Port Fairy

WorkSafe is investigating after a young boy drowned at a school camp in Port Fairy while his mother waits for answers.

A young child has drowned at Belfast Aquatics in Port Fairy. The pool has been closed until further notice.

WorkSafe is investigating the drowning of a young boy at a Port Fairy swimming pool while “inconsolable” staff undertake counselling.

Cooper Onyett, 8, drowned in a pool at Belfast Aquatics in Port Fairy, while on school camp on Friday but his grieving mother is waiting to hear how the tragedy happened.

The Warrnambool boy had travelled with his Merrivale Primary School grade 2 class for his first overnight school camp.

Cooper Onyett on his first day of grade 2 taken this year

Speaking on behalf of the Merribale Primary School, a Department of Education spokesperson said the school had been in contact with the family.

“A Merrivale Primary School student has tragically passed away while on a school camp on Friday,” a spokesperson said.

“The school and the Department of Education and Training are providing support to the family, students and staff. Counselling and extensive support services are being made available for all students, staff and families.

“The school was in contact with the student’s family and will continue to provide all possible support.

“The Department of Education and Training is supporting the coroner and WorkSafe with their investigation of the incident.

“The whole community is deeply saddened by the loss of this young person and we ask you to respect the privacy of those within the school community at this difficult time.”

Belfast Aquatics committee of management chair Anne McIlroy said the staff were devastated.

“On behalf of the management committee at Belfast Aquatics, we send our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the boy who tragically lost his life on Friday while swimming at our pool,” she said.

“This is a very difficult time for everyone, and as a committee we are rallying around the staff at Belfast Aquatics who are inconsolable about what has occurred.

“Counselling sessions are being held today for both the pool staff and members of the public who were at the pool at the time of this tragic accident.”

The Belfast Aquatics centre will remain closed until further notice.

A GoFundMe page set up for Cooper’s family has raised more than $87,000 in donations as of Monday afternoon including an anonymous donor contributing $50,000.

A report will be prepared for the coroner but Victoria Police stated it could take months before the community are shown the findings.