A five-year-old boy drowned in a swimming pool at a house in Athol, Johannesburg on Tuesday, ER24 paramedics said.

Spokesperson Riana Beech said a gardener found the boy floating in the pool at 1pm.

Paramedics tried to resuscitate the boy, but he was declared dead at the scene.

The pool was secured by a fence and gate, but it was not covered. It is believed the boy gained access to the pool through the house.

Beech said the boy was visiting close relatives and his aunt was in the house when he fell into the pool.

Sapa