Boy drowns at school camp at Alpine Ash Mountain Retreat

The boy was among a group of about 20 secondary school students swimming in a large waterhole about 3m deep at Alpine Ash Mountain Retreat, in Toolangi, north of Melbourne.

Students told teachers and camp leaders supervising the group that the boy was having trouble about 5.20pm.

Sgt Jon Ellks, of Kinglake police, said teachers had immediately called police.

Search and rescue officials and the police helicopter were called in and the boy’s body was found about 7.30pm.

“They kicked into action pretty much straight away, but the water was murky,” Sgt Ellks said.

“The water at this time of year is quite cold and you need to know your surroundings. This is just a tragedy.”

Sgt Ellks said a counsellor at the camp had spoken with the students, from a school in East Ringwood.

“The teachers and camp leaders are devastated,” he said. Two busloads of students, some visibly distressed, left the camp last night.

Sgt Ellks said the boy’s parents had been notified and a report would be prepared for the coroner.