Shepparton, Victoria: Heartbroken father pleads for change after son, 8, drowns in G.J Gardner display pool

The heartbroken father of an eight-year-old who tragically drowned in the swimming pool of a display home has spoken out, sharing new details about his son’s death and making an urgent plea for change.

The incident occurred at a G.J Gardener display home swimming pool, located in Kialla, about 30 minutes south of Shepparton.

The young boy was reportedly celebrating a family birthday at a nearby residence when he wandered into a display home shortly before 7pm on Sunday. When paramedics arrived on the scene, he could not be revived and sadly died, a police statement said.

The young boy’s father, Talwinder Singh, recounted the terrifying event, telling the ABC that he was running through the streets looking for his son Gurshabad, who was just weeks away from his ninth birthday.

His father shared that his son had autism and “just jumped” into the water and drowned.

Mr Singh has pleaded for a rule that would mandate pools to be covered, saying that this could have prevented his son’s death.

“Why not cover (the pool) when no one is attending the house?” he said.

“Just cover the bloody pool so the kids can’t see, they can’t go in.

“Cover the pools, that’s all. That’s what I want.”

The family is reeling from their son’s death, with Mr Singh saying Gurshabad’s little sister has been asking “difficult” questions about her brother and that he and his distraught wife are yet to find the words to explain his death.

He said the community was heartbroken by the boy’s passing.

In a statement, Life Saving Victoria spokesperson Andy Dennis extended his condolences to those affected.

“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragic incident in Kialla,” he said.

“This is a sad and timely reminder for everyone to do what they can to stay safe around water.

“Children remain one of the highest risk groups for drowning, with home pools, bathtubs and dams leading locations for these incidents”.

He continued by sharing a reminder to all parents and caregivers about the dangers and risks of children being around water.

“We encourage parents and caregivers to actively supervise children at all times when around water, enrol your child in swimming and water safety lessons, learn CPR so you can assist in an emergency, and restrict children’s access to pools and other water bodies by ensuring there are sufficient barriers in place”.

G.J Gardner expressed their sincere condolences to the family of the young boy.

In a statement, they told The Nightly, “We were devastated to learn of the tragic accidental drowning at one of our display homes in Shepparton, Victoria, over the weekend.”

G.J Gardener also confirmed that fencing was in place around the pool, and it was in compliance with all pool safety regulations.

Police said the investigation into the child’s death is ongoing, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.