The parents of twin toddlers who nearly drowned in a backyard swimming pool are keeping a bedside vigil in hospital as the pair fight for their lives.
The 23-month-old girl and boy were pulled unconscious from the Kellyville Ridge pool in Sydney's northwest at about 7pm on Tuesday and rushed to hospital with a police escort.
Their conditions had not improved by Wednesday afternoon, as the twins remain in critical condition and on life support.
The toddlers are the youngest of six children in the family, and their mother was heard screaming for help after making the discovery, the Seven Network reported.
Police said the family's pool fence appeared to be adequate but that the incident was a timely reminder for parents to be vigilant.
"Obviously at this time of year we urge people to be very vigilant around swimming pools, maintain the security and keep an eye on the children," Chief Inspector Garry Sims told ABC.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family for the tragic incident."
The Australian Medical Association has echoed the comments, saying the recent spate of backyard pool tragedies is a sad reminder of how dangerous water can be for children.
"Children, particularly toddlers, are naturally curious and drawn to water. And while it's easy to get distracted, we need to be extra vigilant when kids are near pools," AMA NSW President Professor Brad Frankum said in a statement on Wednesday.
Tuesday's incident follows the drowning and near-drowning of three toddlers in Sydney in the past month.
"In recent years, there has been an increase in the numbers of children admitted to hospital after a near-drowning incident in their backyard pool," Prof Frankum said.
The neighbourhood on Charbel Place in Kellyville Ridge is in shock, according to a resident.
"They are such lovely neighbours and they are very caring parents. It is really sad to see these things happen," the female neighbour said.
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