1-year-old girl drowns in ditch

A toddler has drowned in a ditch near an Ashburton farm house.

Emergency services were called to the incident on Maronan Valetta Rd about 5.20pm on Sunday.

The Press understands a 1-year-old girl was found unresponsive in the ditch, known as a water race, which is about 50 metres from the house.

A rescue helicopter flew her to Christchurch Hospital, but she later died.

Senior Sergeant Matt Emery extended his sympathies to the family.

Police were at the scene yesterday morning and were investigating the death which, at this stage, was not being treated as suspicious.

Emery said the girl’s family had been put in touch with Victim Support.

WorkSafe had been advised of the toddler’s death and were making inquiries, a spokeswoman said.

Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Jonty Mills said any drowning was a tragedy, particularly when young children and toddlers were involved.

Any water was a potential hazard to toddlers, but it was unrealistic to expect every waterway in New Zealand to be fenced or have restricted access, he said.

‘‘As parents and families, we all know how easily we can be distracted and quickly a toddler can disappear, particularly when they become more mobile.’’

In 2018, three under-5-year-olds drowned in preventable incidents – one in a pond, one in a drain and one in a home pool. ‘‘The only foolproof solution is constant adult supervision around toddlers at all times.’’