A swimming trip for two brothers turned deadly on Monday when one drowned in the treacherous Maliolio River in Savai’i.

Following the suspected drowning, the Ministry of Police Prisons and Corrections Services has appealed to parents to keep a closer eye on their children.

The victim is a 14-year-old male from Patamea, according to a statement issued by the Police.

The victim died on Monday, 14 December after he allegedly drowned when he went swimming with his brother at the Maliolio River, police said.

“A 14-year-old male from Patamea died yesterday Monday 14 December, allegedly drowned when he went swimming with his brother at the Maliolio River in Savai’i,” reads the police statement on Facebook.

“As per Meteorology Office’s update, we are expecting heavy rainfall, high combined waves, and swells, flooding to major rivers and vulnerable locations throughout the week.”

Families living around the coast and in low-lying areas are advised to watch their children.

“Due to these severe weather conditions, the Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services urge families living around the coast and low-lying areas and near rivers to be vigilant and take extra cautious,” says the statement.

“We remind parents and guardians to please keep a close eye on our young children and youth. This tragedy could have been avoided and our condolences to the grieving family.”

“As we head into Christmas and New Year let’s not turn cheers into tears.”

The death of the 14-year-old comes 11 days before Christmas.