Police discovered the body of a six-year-old Bendigo boy in the Murray River about 2pm on Monday after he went missing on Saturday afternoon.

The body was discovered more than 7.5 kilometres from a campsite at Gunbower Island where he was swept underwater and disappeared on Saturday about 2pm. 

Deniliquin local area commander Chief Inspector Michael Tranby said the boy had been swimming with six other children when they started to drift downstream.

Adults from the two families entered the water to rescue the children, but the boy disappeared. 

Meanwhile, a four-year-old girl from Tarneit drowned on Sunday in shallow water off the Torquay surf beach.

The Torquay drowning unfolded about 6.45pm on Sunday after the girl walked off while her family was packing the car to go home after a day at the beach. 

Devastatingly, the girl’s father found her body about 7.30pm in the Spring Creek river mouth which runs into the Torquay surf beach at high tide.

Life Saving Victoria manager of lifesaver operations Greg Scott said the deaths were a tragic reminder of the dangers associated with children and water. 

“These tragic incidents over the weekend highlight why is it is so important to never take your eyes off children, not just in, but also around water,” Mr Scott said. 

“Children can drown quickly and silently in just a few centimetres of water. Twenty seconds is all it takes for a toddler to drown.”

Mr Scott said children should always be closely supervised when surrounded by water. 

“Children are naturally curious, especially when it comes to water,” he said.

“Ensure children under five are within your arms’ reach at all times and children under 10 are always in your sight. 

“If visiting inland waterways, we are reminding people that conditions on the water change quickly.

“Be aware of fast-flowing water and strong currents.

“Wearing a lifejacket can be a good idea for young children swimming in the Murray River.”