LAGOON HORROR
HOLIDAY TRAGEDY: Japanese boy, 7, dies in Cairns Hospital after being pulled from water
A YOUNG Japanese tourist died in hospital yesterday after being pulled unconscious from the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon.
The seven-year-old boy was on holiday with his parents, and had touched down in Cairns from Japan just hours before heading to the Cairns Lagoon for a swim.
He was rescued from the water about 3.50pm on Saturday. Lifeguards and critical care paramedics performed CPR on the boy before taking him to Cairns Hospital.
A police spokesman said his life support was switched off at midday yesterday.
Surf Life Saving North Queensland regional manager Rob Davidson said it was a heartbreaking turn of events.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, and with the lifeguards, paramedics and police who did their best to help him,” he said.
“It’s very tragic, especially at this time of the year.”
Mr Davidson urged all swimmers to be aware of the dangers of being in the water, particularly with children.
“It only takes a few seconds to lose sight of a child. Supervision of kids is essential, and for some children that means standing right next to them while they’re in the water,” he said.
Councillor Richie Bates said it was “a distressing and tragic time”.
“Council will do everything it possibly can to make sure this family is supported,” he said.
He said it was a pertinent time to remember to keep children safe near water, especially in Christmas week.
District Duty Officer Senior Sergeant Duane Amos told the Cairns Post police are working with the Japanese Consulate as they prepare a report for the coroner.
“It’s a tragic circumstance for (the family) on what should be an enjoyable time in the festive season,” he said.