Toddler CPR hero hailed as parents reminded about first aid courses

Friday 03 July 2015

Child safety campaigners have warned parents that little ones should never be left alone to play near water - and a politician has praised the members of the public who saved a toddler's life at Millbrook pool on Tuesday.

Speaking after the two-year-old almost drowned in the paddling pool in Millbrook Park, campaign group Child Accident Prevention Jersey are highlighting the importance of water safety - and have stressed that very young children always need supervision.

The two year-old boy was found floating in the shallow water on Tuesday morning when a woman leapt into action, performed CPR on him and managed to resuscitate him before paramedics arrived.

He's now safe and well, having been released from hospital later that same day, but CAP Jersey's Co-ordinator Mandy Le Tensorer said that parents should keep a watchful eye on their youngsters around water.

She said: "Children should always be supervised when they are in or near water. Learning to swim is a good idea but when children are very young they still need adult supervision around water."

Such accidents are thankfully not common here in Jersey  – according to the Group's latest report, this was only the second time a child has been admitted to hospital for near drowning since 2009 when there were four cases, but a number of parents have said on social media they are keen to sign up for a first aid course so that they know what to do if something like this happens again.

And a Jersey Deputy who used to take her children to play in the park says it’s vital Islanders know how to respond if things go wrong.

St Helier No 3 Deputy Jackie Hilton said: “It just shows you the benefit of people taking the first aid courses that St John Ambulance run, and it really just proves how vital it is that people have an understanding of what to do in these situations. It’s literally life-and-death.

“Thank God there was someone there who knew what they were doing.”

The police are still looking into what happened, but have stressed that there is no criminal investigation going on. They would like to hear from anyone who saw the events of Tuesday morning, and have asked that anyone with any information call them on 612612, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

You can find out more about lifesaving courses run by the local branch of the St John Ambulance here.