A summer holiday has ended in heartbreak for a Port Stephens family after a four-year-old boy drowned in a backyard pool on Friday evening.
Emergency Response at Bobs Farm
Police and paramedics were called to a home in Bobs Farm around 7:30 pm on January 9, 2026, after the child was found unresponsive in the water. Family members were attempting lifesaving efforts when emergency services arrived.
Paramedics took over critical care at the scene before rushing the boy to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition. Despite the efforts of medical staff, the child tragically died overnight.
Port Stephens-Hunter police have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. A report will be prepared for the coroner as part of the standard procedure for an unexpected death.
National Drowning Toll Reaches 'Unprecedented Levels'
This local tragedy follows alarming national data revealing a sharp increase in Australian drownings. A report released in August 2025 by Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia showed drownings were nearly 30 per cent higher than the 10-year average.
While children account for a lower proportion of drownings overall, the report highlighted a near-tripling of the drowning toll in regional and remote areas. It also revealed a disturbing statistic: backyard pools were the site of almost two in every three swimming pool drowning deaths recorded in 2025.
Justin Scarr, CEO of Royal Life Saving Australia, has expressed deep concern over declining swimming skills. "Half of all children leave primary school unable to swim 50 metres and float for two minutes, causing lifelong risk," Mr Scarr said.
Lifesaving Plea Amid Summer Heat
In light of this incident and the ongoing summer heat, lifesaving organisations have reiterated their core safety messages. They urge all Australians to:
- Always actively supervise children around water.
- Learn swimming and water safety skills.
- Swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs around water.
- Check conditions before entering the water.
The tragedy occurred as the Bureau of Meteorology forecast severe heatwave conditions and damaging winds for parts of the NSW coast on Saturday, January 10, conditions that often drive people to seek relief in water.
Authorities stress that constant, undistracted adult supervision is the single most important factor in preventing childhood drownings, especially in home swimming pools.
