Yahoo Lifestyle Couple's plea to council after son, 4, tragically dies in lagoon
Despite the efforts of first responders, Ali was pronounced dead at the scene after being found unresponsive in the water.
The heartbroken parents of a four-year-old who drowned in a suburban lagoon earlier this week are calling for drastic action to be taken by council to prevent another similar tragedy. Ali Aminzadah was staying with family members in Officer, in Melbourne's southeast, when he vanished at around 5pm on Sunday afternoon.
It's understood Ali's family, who are of Afghan background, made the trip down from Swan Hill to visit relatives, and the young boy had been playing at the time he went missing. Soon after, he was found unresponsive in the water.
Despite the efforts of first responders, Ali was pronounced dead at the scene. He's being remembered as a "fun-loving" little boy who aways had a big smile on his face.
Devastated parents call for change after boy, 4, drowns
Now, days after the unimaginable incident, his parents have taken aim at the wire fencing around the lagoon, claiming it's far too thin to protect children from stumbling in. The family, who spoke to Nine News, are understood to be furious more protections weren't in place to stop kids like Ali from drowning.
They're now calling on Cardinia Council to change it. Cardinia Shire Mayor Jack Kowarzik said the news was "absolutely tragic" and offered his "heartfelt condolences" the Aminzadah family.
"On behalf of Council and the local community, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the boy's family during this devastating time," he told media.
"The Cardinia Shire community has been deeply affected by this terrible incident happening so close to home . I'd also like to acknowledge the impact of this incident on first responders, and the valiant efforts of emergency services personnel who attended the scene."
Yahoo News has contacted the council about possible alterations to the lagoon's fence.
La Trobe MP Jason Woods said the death was "devastating for the family, friends and the wider Afghanistan community". "(We) must not forget emergency services workers as it's an awful day for all involved on this tragic event," he said.
Police say the death is not being treated as suspicious. A report is being prepared for the coroner.
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