NSW: Lifesavers warn against some pool games after drowning

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NSW: Lifesavers warn against some pool games after drowning

SYDNEY, Dec 23 AAP - A 16-year-old boy who drowned in a backyard swimming pool mayhave been playing a game with friends to see who could hold their breath the longest underwater.

The teenager was pulled unconscious from the pool in Sydney's north west yesterdayby his mates and a neighbour, but attempts to revive him failed.

Police were today interviewing his three friends and neighbours who were at the scenein Teak Place, Cherrybrook when the teenager died.

A report also was being prepared for the coroner but police would not comment on theteenager's medical history and whether it contributed to the drowning.

Royal Life Saving national marketing manager Doug Garske said it was extremely dangerousto play pool games that involved holding your breathe under water.

"It's a risky activity and you really are courting some sort of danger," Mr Garske said.

"It's something that we don't condone and really suggest that if parents see it happeningthat they sit down and supervise and discourage it."

Mr Garske said while children under five were most at risk of drowning, yesterday'stragedy showed children of any age should not be left unsupervised near water.

He also urged people with pools to learn CPR and be on hand.

"During parties put someone in charge who's an adult ... don't rely on older kids tobe supervising other kids," he said.

"Also know the child's abilities, if you know that one of the children that are aroundis not as good (in the water) then keep a double eye on them."

Mr Garske said high spirits and celebrations with family and friends during the festiveseason should not mean water safety takes a back seat.

The 2002 Royal Life Saving report showed 44 young people drowned in the past 12 months, he said.

AAP nf/sek/sb/mo

KEYWORD: DROWN NIGHTLEAD