Heartbroken mum issues stark warning to other parents after her two children died playing Marco Polo
FOR one family, a holiday turned out to be a disaster which saw two children die in just a matter of minutes.
London Marie, 11 and her brother Wadale, 14 were playing in the hotel pool before their mum found them at the “bottom” of it.
Brittney McWhite had left her children to play in the pool unattended while she sorted out the food.
“They weren’t in there for more than like three, four minutes,” the grieving mum told FOX 29 Philadelphia.
“They called their names…and when they jumped in, they were at the bottom of the pool.”
The family was on holiday in New Jersey, US when the kids decided to go and play a game of Marco Polo in the pool, which involved holding your breath underwater.
WARNING TO OTHER PARENTS
Brittney, who has four other kids, said London Marie and Wadale could swim, which was why she left them alone for a short spell.
Although they were quickly pulled out from the bottom of the pool, they had already drowned.
As summer begins, the mum has issued a warning to fellow parents who may take their kids to a pool.
She said that drownings like these could happen after being in the water for just “a minute.”
“Always have a set of eyes,” she added.
“Prevent your kids from playing games and make sure the pool is safe,” she said.
“If it doesn’t look right, don’t do it because once you lose your child, it is hard.”
‘JUST DEVASTATING’
For the past week, the children were placed on life support machines to keep them alive.
By Sunday, it became clear to Brittney and the kids’ father that nothing was going to change.
“Keeping my child hooked onto a machine for the rest of their life is not ideally what any parent should want for their children, so today I and dad decided to end life support,” Brittney said.
McWhite said London Marie and Wadale were total opposites who couldn’t live without one another.
“I know they’re at peace, it’s just very devastating,’ said McWhite. ‘Not to lose one child but two.
“I think that’s more challenging because you can’t stomach that, but you have to keep going.”
5 vital summer safety tips
Kids look forward to the summer months, when a break from school gives them a chance play outdoors.
However, it’s important to ensure that children stay safe while they’re having fun in the sun.
1. Stay hydrated
During these hotter months, it’s important to keep your children hydrated throughout the day.
Encourage them to drink plenty of water, especially when engaging in physical activities or spending time in the sun.
2. Sun protection
Protecting your child’s skin from harmful UV rays is perhaps one of the most important precautions to take during the summer months.
Teach them the importance of reapplying sunscreen every two hours and after swimming. Hats, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing that covers their arms and legs can also be helpful in shielding them from the sun.
3. Safe water activities
Summer is all about water activities, making water safety a top priority.
If your child is not a strong swimmer, make them wear a life jacket when in or near bodies of water.
4. Be cautious of heat
Heat-related illnesses can pose a high risk to children during hot summer days.
To prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke, plan outdoor activities during cooler times of the day, such as early morning or late evening.
5. Road safety
Summer often means increased road trips and outdoor excursions.
Reinforce the importance of road safety to your kids, whether they’re pedestrians or passengers.
Teach them to look both ways before crossing the street, only use designated crosswalks, and avoid running or playing near roadways.
Source: Thorek Memorial Hospital + NHS England