Boy, two, drowns in Algarve pool ‘after family fall asleep’
A BRITISH toddler drowned in a swimming pool on the first day of his family holiday in Portugal after being left with relatives when his mother went shopping.
The boy of two was in the care of two male family members after his mother and grandmother went shopping on Saturday afternoon, it is claimed. There are reports that the men had fallen asleep.
His family had only just arrived at the rented private villa in the tourist resort of Quinta do Paraiso near Carvoeiro the night before. Police have now begun an inquiry into whether the child died as a result of neglect after suggestions the men had been drinking, a local newspaper reported.
Paramedics were called to the scene at around 3pm in temperatures which topped 86F (30C). They battled for more than an hour to try to revive him.
The family were staying in the resort, which is popular with young British, German and Dutch families, where most of the luxury villas have their own pools. The property they rented was in a large complex which has its own bar, restaurant and tennis courts.
Holidaymakers said they saw two ambulances and a police car rush to the scene.
A student staying nearby with his friends said: ‘We saw a woman who we think may have been the boy’s mother being led to an ambulance. She was obviously in shock.’
A Scottish expat added: ‘The men were apparently drinking in the afternoon sun and it was very, very hot and they just passed out. People don’t realise how hot it is.’