Boy, 5, and father, 30, drown at Airlie Beach lagoon while on holiday

A FAMILY’S trip of a lifetime to Australia has ended in tragedy after a father, trying to save his five-year-old son, drowned with him.

Airlie Beach Lagoon was closed on Sunday afternoon. Picture: Georgia Simpson

A FAMILY’S trip of a lifetime to Australia has ended in tragedy after a father, trying to save his five-year-old son, drowned with him.

Emergency services were called to Airlie Beach lagoon, a popular swimming spot in the Whitsundays town, yesterday afternoon around 4pm.

Both the 30-year-old dad and his five-year-old boy were pulled unconscious from the water and despite the best efforts from the public and paramedics, they were unable to be saved.

Witnesses said the boy was rushed into the ambulance as soon as paramedics arrived and members of the public worked to try and save the man.

Two people have died after being pulled from the lagoon in Airlie Breach. Picture: Lee Constable

The father and the son, believed to be from Asia, were taken to Proserpine Hospital in critical conditions but died shortly after.

It’s believed the boy found himself in deep water and his father jumped in to save him but died as well.

The temperature was hitting 30C yesterday afternoon when the tragedy occured and hundreds of people were still in the water when the father and son drowned.

Despite the crowd of people, one witness told 9 News the pair made no noise before going under.

In a statement, Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Andrew Willcox confirmed the tourists were from Asia and described it as a “tragic accident”.

“Sadly drowning typically occurs quickly and silently, with very few people are able to wave their hands or call for help,” Mayor Willcox said.

“The hearts and prayers of the Whitsunday community are with the family of the father and his son during this incredibly difficult time.

“I would also like to personally praise the efforts of all who assisted during all rescue and resuscitation attempts.”

The council is getting in touch with members of the public who tried to resuscitate the two.

“Obviously it was extremely distressing for everyone involved, both police, emergency services and civilians,” Mayor Willcox said.

A female witness, who told the Courier-Mail she was sitting next to the boy’s mother when it happened, said it happened “so quick”.

“It seriously happened so, so quick. The little boy would have jumped in right away and went straight to the bottom, he was wearing a full body suit and it took (the father) a bit to get under the bridge,” she said.

The lagoon will stay closed today as Queensland Police inspect the scene and watch CCTV of the incident. Lifeguards monitor the lagoon during the day.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.