Real Stories

Many parents have bravely shared their experiences of toddler drowning with us—from fortunate near-misses to incidents resulting in life-altering injuries or the heartbreaking loss of a child. Their stories reflect the full spectrum of outcomes and serve as powerful reminders of how quickly drowning can happen.

We are deeply grateful to these parents, who generously give their time and voice in the hope of preventing other families from going through the same pain.

If your family has experienced a toddler drowning or near-miss and you’re open to sharing your story, we’d love to hear from you. Parent ambassadors involved in the Keep Watch program often describe it as a meaningful way to honour their experience, raise awareness, and potentially save lives.

Mark Gubanyi
Kaitlin was playing outside at a friend’s house just one week from her 5th birthday when she slipped away and drowned in an unfenced backyard pool. Mark speaks out about the lack of supervision and pool barriers that led to her tragic death.
Emma De Longis
Two-year-old Mia was discovered unresponsive in the family’s backyard pool after briefly going unnoticed. Thanks to immediate CPR and emergency care, she made a full recovery. Emma now shares their experience to highlight how quickly drowning can happen and the critical importance of knowing lifesaving skills like CPR.
Simone Soto Flores
Three-year-old Ari fell overboard from a houseboat while on holiday and was found unresponsive. Quick CPR saved his life, but he was left with a severe brain injury. His mum shares their story to raise awareness about the long-term impacts of non-fatal drowning and the importance of supervision, lifejackets, and CPR.
Melanie Mitchell
Two-year-old Lachlan tragically drowned in a backyard swimming pool while attending family daycare. The incident highlighted gaps in water safety awareness and supervision in care settings. Melanie shares his story to promote stronger safety standards for all children.
Michelle Ostler
Jewel was just two years old when she was found unconscious in a backyard pool. After being revived and spending weeks in intensive care, she survived—but with long-term health effects. Michelle shares their emotional journey.
Kylie Parker
Three-year-old Jake slipped outside unnoticed and drowned in the family’s backyard pool. Despite pool fencing, a propped-open gate allowed access. Kylie shares how quickly and quietly it happened—and why vigilance matters.
Andrea Wakefield
Fourteen-month-old Shelby wandered into an unfenced backyard pool area and drowned after a door failed to latch properly. Despite emergency efforts, Shelby did not survive. Andrea shares their story to raise awareness of the hidden dangers around water and the critical importance of constant supervision and safety measures.
Sharyn Hobbs
Thirteen-month-old Declan tragically drowned in a backyard fishpond after gaining access to the outdoor area. The incident happened silently and in moments, leaving a profound impact on Sharyn’s family. She shares her story to raise awareness of hidden water hazards in everyday environments.