Parents’ chilling warning about Burswood Park Playground before drowning of two children on New Year’s Eve

Parents taking their children to the Burswood Park Playground have been asking for a safer fenced area as long as six years ago, reviews of the popular family area have revealed after the tragic drowning of two children on New Year’s Eve. The heartbreaking incident unfolded on Sunday when two kids — a boy, 6, and a girl, also 6, from different families but known to each other — were found unresponsive in the Swan River just after 5pm. Police and paramedics rushed to the scene on Camfield Drive near Crown Perth to try to resuscitate the pair as dozens of horrified families, in the park to catch the New Year’s Eve fireworks, watched on. Despite the efforts of witnesses, critical care paramedics and St John WA rushing them to Perth Children’s Hospital, they were unable to be saved. The popular park and playground area butting onto the Swan River were packed with families getting ready to ring in the New Year but reviews dating back more than half a decade show safety has always been at the forefront of parents’ minds. Hundreds of reviews talk of the convenience of the shaded park, barbecues and playground — but many say the fencing that surrounds the playground is inadequate. A year ago, a review from Mike Ameduri said while the fenced playground itself was great for kids but he warned parents to keep a watchful eye. “Good playground for the kids. Fenced off however be very cautious that the entry gates to the playground do not have a locking mechanism on them like a pool gate,” he wrote. “We were there watching young children opening the gates and leaving the playground without their parents’ knowledge.” Mr Ameduri spoke of a terrifying instance where he had to run after a young girl who had left the playground and ran towards Camfield Drive, the busy road that skirts the back of Crown Perth. “Please install pool gate type locking mechanisms for the safety of all the young children,” he said. “There are too many distractions now days (sic) to say the least, please watch your children closely until something is done about this.” The bizarre response to the review revealed the true purpose of the fence. “Thanks for your feedback. The playground fence is actually intended to keep the wildlife out, rather than keep kids in. And yes, we’d love parents to heed your advice, too,” it said. The Burswood Park Board is responsible for managing the Burswood Park vicinity and the government entity is overseen by Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia. A review six years ago by Melissa Ikram questioned why there wouldn’t be safety latches on the fence exit. “Great toddler play area except why wouldn’t you put safety lock latches on all the exits,” she said. “It is right near the river and toddlers are mischievous little ones. Make sure you keep a close eye on your little one.” Five years ago, Michael Caldwell said the playground was “convenient for a lot of reasons” but the lack of a childproof gate frustrated him. “It’s just a little frustrating that there isn’t a childproof gate on said play area, especially when it’s so close to a cycle track and body of water,” he said. “Worth a visit and great for children’s parties with the facilities.” Reviews in the years have prompted similar comments but the playground has remained the same despite requests from parents to improve its safety. Ten months ago, CP Lee said the shady playground was “a welcome place” for her and her toddlers but that watching your children was vital. “As other reviews have mentioned, the fence does not have a proper locking gate because it’s designed to keep wildlife out rather than children in, so it pays to watch your kids’ whereabouts, especially with a car park right next to it,” she said. The exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy of the two children remain unknown but police inquiries are continuing after forensics were on the scene as late as 8.30pm.