The heartbroken father of eight-year-old Gurshabad Singh has shared new details about his son’s death in a display home swimming pool near Shepparton, calling for urgent changes to prevent similar tragedies.
Talwinder Singh told the ABC he was running through the streets searching for Gurshabad, who was just weeks from his ninth birthday, when he was found unresponsive in the pool of a G.J. Gardner display home in Kialla shortly before 7 pm on Sunday. Paramedics performed CPR at the scene, but the boy could not be revived.
Gurshabad, who had autism, “just jumped” into the water, his father said. Mr Singh has urged authorities to mandate that pools at vacant homes be covered, saying it could have prevented his son’s death.
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.”
Mr Singh said Gurshabad’s little sister had been asking “difficult” questions about her brother, and that he and his wife were still trying to find the words to tell her.
Neighbours told 9News the boy had wandered away from a nearby family birthday celebration.
“We did hear that he did have special needs. The family was looking around,” said neighbour Mert Tetik.
“It’s quite devastating. It’s obviously shaken us as a community as well.”
A G.J. Gardner Homes spokesperson said the company was “devastated” by the accidental drowning and extended condolences to the family. The spokesperson confirmed the pool complied with all safety regulations, including fencing, and said staff were being supported through the tragedy.
“We will continue to do everything within our power to support the authorities with their investigation,” they said.
Life Saving Victoria described the incident as a “sad and timely reminder” of the risks children face around water. A spokesperson urged parents and carers to actively supervise children, enrol them in swimming and water safety lessons, learn CPR, and ensure all pool areas have compliant barriers.
Since 2020–21, 28 people have died in private pools in Victoria, accounting for around 10 per cent of all fatal drownings.
A report will be prepared for the coroner, and Gurshabad’s funeral is scheduled to take place in Melbourne on Friday.
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