Parents are being warned to urgently check their pool fences and keep an eye on their children after the third backyard drowning in a week.
A family in Newcastle are mourning the loss of their two-year-old son who's drowned in their backyard pool overnight.
The toddler at Charlestown, south of Newscastle, was found by a family member in the pool around 7pm. He was rushed to John Hunter Hospital but died a short time later.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death as a report is prepared for the Coroner.
This is the third child to drown in the past week.