MP makes appeal after child rescued after being washed away by river

Following a near miss on Sunday when a child, left unsupervised, was swept away by the Wag Water River in St Mary, Member of Parliament for the area Dr Norman Dunn is appealing for parents and guardians to be more attentive. 

Dunn, who is the MP for St Mary South Eastern, told The STAR that the child would have been the next victim of drowning but thanks to a resident this was prevented.

"My understanding is that a group arrived in Castleton Gardens, but did not access the river from the garden side, but instead did so from the community centre side," Dunn said via telephone. 

"While at the river the child was swept away downstream and had it not been for a resident, who spotted the child floating, we could have very well had another incident of drowning in St Mary. I am appealing to parents, guardians, and family members to be aware of river surroundings, not just in St Mary, but elsewhere. 

"Additionally, they are to ensure that children are monitored and properly supervised during every river trip. A child can only be a child and once water is involved, it is only natural that they will be incline to explore. My understanding also is that the child involved in the incident suffered injuries to the mouth and to a section of the head. Thankfully the toddler is alive," Dunn added. 

This near tragic incident comes on the heels of two cases of drowning involving 19-year-old Chrisan Steele and 25-year-old Omar Skyers, who were swept away by the Wag Water River on September 12.

Both bodies have since been recovered. 

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