Father, grandfather drown rescuing toddler from pool during Easter getaway

A Victorian family’s Easter getaway has ended in tragedy after a father and grandfather lost their lives trying to save a toddler from a hotel pool. 

Emergency services were called to the Top of the Mark hotel apartment in Surfers Paradise about 6.45pm yesterday after two men were pulled unconscious from the rooftop pool.

Despite the efforts of paramedics, the men went into cardiac arrest and were declared dead at the scene. 

They have since been identified as 38-year-old Sunny Randhawah and his 65-year-old father.

The incident unfolded when Randawah’s two-year-old daughter slipped and fell into the deep end of the pool.

Her mother had frantically jumped in to save her, but she did not know how to swim.

The toddler and mother were successfully rescued but when Randawah and his father entered the water they were unable to get out.

Queensland Ambulance Service’s Mitchell Ware said bystanders and an off-duty doctor tried desperately to revive the men. 

“It’s an extremely emotional scene, obviously anyone can understand to lose one family member but to lose two family members,” Ware told reporters today.

“I will just reiterate to the community to exercise due care, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer, and especially if there’s young children around, that you are really careful because we know that children and even adults can drown in a matter of seconds.”

A woman was transported to Gold Coast University Hospital in stable condition.

The two-year-old did not need further treatment.

Randawah’s friend said he vowed to stand by the family during the tragedy.

“I promise to his wife that as a brother, whatever we can do to help as friends, we will do,” they said.

Witness Ellie told 9News the incident had left her rattled.

“I was really sad and upset because I was looking at it,” she said.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.