Toddler drowns in family's paddling pool

Family members made a desperate attempt to revive a Hawke's Bay toddler after he was found face-down in a paddling pool on Christmas Day, but it was too late.

Police said 20-month-old Marcus Dudley Nichol was found in the plastic paddling pool at his grandparents' Wairoa home about 2 pm.

A young girl also drowned at Piha on Christmas Day, after apparently being swamped by two waves.

And yesterday, a person died after hitting a tree while travelling down the Buller River by inflatable tube.

Christchurch police said the dead person was one of five people floating down the South Island river by inner-tube about 4.50 pm.

The accident happened in the Murchison area, but no further details were available last night.

Sergeant Chris Flood, of Wairoa, said Marcus' death was "gut-wrenching".

The toddler had been out of the sight of his grandparents and mother for only a few minutes when he was found and snatched from the water.

He apparently tripped and fell into the pool and could not drag himself out again.

Despite attempts by family members, police and ambulance staff to resuscitate him, Marcus died in Hastings Hospital.

"It's an awful Christmas tragedy and shows how a moment's inattention can lead to tragedy when it comes to small kids," said Sergeant Flood.

The toddler's family would not discuss the accident but a family member said, "We just hope this doesn't happen to anyone else".

Piha lifeguards also tried to resuscitate the 11-year-old Iraqi girl who was apparently overwhelmed by waves about 100m north of the flagged area.

About six people had to be picked up by rescue boat after getting into difficulties in the surf, but when the group got to shore the girl was found to be missing.

She was found face-down in the shallows but attempts to revive her failed.

Sergeant Gary Barber, of Henderson, said it appeared two large waves had overwhelmed the group.

"She was just a young girl and she wasn't a good swimmer.

"It's a real shocker for the family on Christmas Day."

The deaths coincide with the launch of a hard-hitting campaign aimed at reducing drownings and water-related injuries.

Water Safety Council chief executive Alan Muir said he made no apologies for the "punchy" campaign, which began airing last night.

It highlights the dangers of rivers, boats and swimming pools.

The pool safety ad features real-life footage of children having serious accidents around swimming pools.

"It's more punchy than what we have run in the past," Mr Muir said.

"When I see the young girl fall I still wince, even now, after watching it a dozen times."

The river safety ad features an Australian river infested with crocodiles and a peaceful, quiet New Zealand river, making the point that twice as many New Zealanders drown in rivers.



The three-year, $1 million campaign is a joint initiative between the council and the Accident Compensation Corporation.

The latest drownings bring to four the number of people who have died in as many days.

On Sunday, 60-year-old Samuel Stephens, of Pawarenga, drowned after trying to reclaim a dinghy that had slipped its mooring in Whangape Harbour, 42km southwest of Kaitaia.

Mr Muir said New Zealand had a dreadful water safety record, but was headed for a record low in drownings this year - 103 so far, compared with 135 last year.

- Staff reporter, NZPA