An investigation is currently ongoing in Bali following the heartbreaking incident of an Australian toddler who drowned while vacationing with her family on the island.
The Incident: A Family’s Heartbreak in Paradise
The tragic event took place on Thursday, January 16th, when the 3-year-old child was staying at a private villa in the North Kerobokan area of Bali. Her family had been enjoying a vacation when the unthinkable happened.
According to the Head of Public Relations for Badung Police, Ipda I Putu Sukarma, an investigation has been initiated to uncover the details surrounding the incident. Reports indicate that the family was preparing to check out of the villa and had requested a late check-out. Shockingly, both parents were present at the villa during the time of the tragedy.
A Witness Account
A staff member at the villa, referred to only as R, provided a witness statement to the police. R shared that he had seen the little girl standing near the edge of the swimming pool shortly before tragedy struck.
Two hours after his initial observation, R returned to the victim’s room and encountered unknown individuals who claimed to be relatives of the family. They explained that they had come to collect the family’s belongings to be taken to the hospital, where the toddler was reportedly receiving treatment.
Communication Amidst the Chaos
According to the police, the parents sent a text to villa staff at approximately 3:20 PM, explaining the tragic situation and requesting their bags be removed from the villa.
Just one hour later, the father reached out to ask the staff member to leave their belongings until evening and even offered to pay an additional charge for the delay.
A Devastating Reminder of Water Safety
Dr. I Dewa Made Dwi Surya Rusdianta from the d’Square Medical Clinic confirmed that the family rushed the toddler to the clinic before being transferred to BIMC Hospital, where she was tragically pronounced dead. This heartbreaking event serves as a powerful reminder for all families traveling to Bali—or anywhere with water—to stay vigilant with their little ones, especially toddlers.
Insights from Safety Experts
In a similar vein, in late October 2024, another Australian toddler, only 14 months old, drowned at a private rental villa in North Kuta, highlighting the urgent need for heightened awareness around pool and water safety.
In light of this disturbing trend, Justin Scarr, CEO of Royal Life Saving Australia, emphasized the importance of adhering to strict safety measures when vacationing in foreign countries where regulations may differ. He noted, “In Australia, we are fortunate to have robust pool fencing regulations that protect our children, but those do not apply overseas—including in Indonesia.”
Practical Advice for Parents Traveling with Young Children
For parents planning a holiday, comprehensive resources and advice on water safety can be found on the Royal Life Saving Australia website. Scarr suggests familiarizing oneself with first aid practices and having a first aid kit handy while traveling, as these can be instrumental during emergencies. After all, a holiday should not turn into a nightmare.
He reminds us, “It’s vital to actively supervise young children in and around water. For kids aged 0 to 4, supervision means being within arm’s reach, while for those aged 5 to 10, it’s crucial to supervise from the water’s edge. Regular check-ins are recommended for older children aged 11 to 14.”
As we navigate our travels with kids, let’s remember that preparation and awareness are our best allies in keeping our loved ones safe. Whether it’s the beach, a swimming pool, or a villa, let’s ensure that safety is top of mind, allowing families to enjoy their vacations without unnecessary tragedy.
