3-year-old drowns near Breede River mouth

A three-year-old girl has died in a drowning incident in Witsand on the South Coast.

The incident occurred on Friday, about 20 kilometres upstream from the Breede River mouth.

According to the National Sea Rescue Institute, locals were performing CPR on the child when rescue teams arrived.

Spokesperson Craig Lambinon says the toddler’s body was found floating in the water before being recovered by family members.

"Police have opened an inquest docket. Local community members initiated CPR while raising the alarm. Condolences are conveyed to the family and friends of the deceased toddler."