Toddler drowns in fish tank

Jugad Singh Bath was only "momentarily" out of his parents' sight when he fell into the water at a home in Melbourne's southeast.

A GoFundMe for the toddler's family organised by his father's coworkers said the young boy was tragically declared brain dead a few days later.

"Despite the swift actions of his family and the relentless efforts of medical staff, Jugad was declared brain dead only a few days later," Waris Hamdard wrote.

Now, his family, believed to be living in Australia on student visas, has been lumped with "substantial" medical and funeral costs.

"The ambulance services cost around $1,300, the air ambulance added another $13,000, and the hospital bills amounted to $50,000," Mr Hamdard wrote.

"Although insurance covered a part of these expenses, Jagwant is left with the heartbreaking task of arranging his son's funeral and other related costs, totaling approximately $6,500."

According to statistics from Life Saving Victoria, 59 people drowned in the state's waterways over the 2022-2023 financial year, with paramedics attending another 122 non-fatal incidents.

Coworkers and friends rallied around the grieving family to raise more than $1,000 within a day of the fundraiser's launch.

"We reach out to you in this moment of profound sorrow and ask for your support. Any assistance you can provide to Jagwant and his family during this devastating time would be deeply appreciated," Mr Hamdard posted.

"Your contribution can help alleviate the financial burden they are facing and allow them to focus on healing from this tragic loss."

To donate, visit gofundme.com