6 and 7-year-old child are latest victims in unfortunate drowning accidents

A 6-year-old and a 7-year-old child are the latest victims of unfortunate drowning accidents in the past week.

Police say the first report of drowning was received from Noro Settlement in Navakasiga, Bua where the 7-year-old child was found motionless floating in the sea and the second victim, the 6-year-old was found floating in the Nasivi River in Tavua.

They say the first victim was found by two children who were out at sea to check on their fishing net while the second victim was swimming with siblings when he allegedly drowned.

Police say these unfortunate drowning accidents could have possibly be avoided if necessary precautionary measures were adopted.

Police will be investigating the element of negligence regarding the circumstances surrounding the drowning.

Police are again urging parents and guardians to be mindful about the need to strictly monitor their children’s movements, particularly if they’re living in an area surrounded by a body of water.

The national drowning toll currently stands at 28 compared to 27 for the same period last year.