A TODDLER drowned in his family's swimming pool in a "most tragic accidental death", a coroner has decided.

George Jeffery wandered out of the sitting room of his grandparents' house in Bush Road, Cuxton, near Rochester. He climbed the three or four steps of the partially-raised pool and went into the water, an inquest heard.

His family realised he was missing minutes later and frantically searched for him until his grandfather, Brian Jeffery, found the 18-month-old's body in the pool.

An ambulance took George to Medway Maritime Hospital where he was confirmed dead. The tragedy happened shortly before 6pm on August 8, a warm summer day.

Coroner Roger Sykes said: "This is quite clearly a case of a most tragic accidental death." He said it would have only taken a few minutes for George to wander outside, climb the steps and enter the water.

George's mother Cara told the inquest he was probably looking for something. "He must have seen something in the water he wanted, perhaps a toy," she said.

Mr Sykes added: "For many young children water holds a fascination and most young children are inquisitive and adventurous.

"They are told not to go into water but they do not understand the risks involved. This desperately tragic incident serves as a lesson to all who have pools or ponds in gardens.

"We cannot constantly keep young children in sight but we must make certain pools or ponds are completely childproof so that such a tragic accident can be avoided and the devastation suffered by George's family will not be inflicted on other families."

He recorded a verdict of accidental death.