A SIX year-old boy of Qamea is the latest victim of drowning.
The child had accompanied his 47-year old uncle to their plantation about one kilometre from their village on Monday where he was left unsupervised on the beach.
Police spokesman Inspector Atunaisa Sokomuri confirmed the incident and said the boy's uncle was taken into custody and questioned at the Taveuni Police Station.
"The investigation reveals that the deceased went to the plantation with his uncle where he was left alone on the beach while the man carried out some chores," Insp Sokomuri said in a statement.
"The man returned to the beach to find his nephew missing.
"He then raised the alarm.
"A search was conducted by the villagers and the boy's body was found floating in the sea."
The incident has sparked a fresh warning from the police for parents to keep a close watch on their children during these holidays.
"The police are reiterating the need for parents and guardians to supervise their children well and control their movements to stop unnecessary accidents from occurring.
"It is at this time of the year when children hang out with friends or visit picnic spots and public swimming pools, so we're asking parents to keep their children under their care."
The national drowning toll stands at 32 compared to 17 this time last year.