KITCHENER -- A young girl is in critical condition as of Tuesday after a near-drowning experience in Woolwich Township Saturday evening.

Waterloo Regional Police were called to the scene shortly after 6 p.m. for reports of a drowning at Snyder's Flats.

Witnesses say it was brought to their attention when they heard a boy screaming for help.

“We heard him say it was a little girl,” said witness Marcin Kaczmarek. “We didn't see anyone else reacting.”

Officials say the girl is five years old.

Kaczmarek called 911 immediately, but says there was more than 20 people at the pond at the time.

“There were kids playing here and there was a child potentially losing their life right there and adults still sitting at the table,” he said.

Kaczmarek adds that as he was directing first responders on how to get to the pond, a man jumped in and found the child.

Detectives and the forensic investigation unit also responded to the incident.

A call was put in for Ornge air ambulance to transfer her to Hamilton General Hospital, but it was later called off. Police say she was still taken there by ambulance.

“This area is beautiful, but it's also dangerous,” said Kaczmarek. “There's no lifeguard here.”

Kaczmerek adds that he has a nine-year-old son and is warning other parents to stay alert at all times.

He's also hopeful that water safety equipment and signs will be placed in the area following the incident.

“Pay attention, that's the most important thing,” said Kaczmerek. “Make sure you're watching your child always.”

Barbara Byers, public education director of the Life Saving Society, says a drowning can happen in seconds, even if people aren't there to swim.

"In 10 seconds, a child may get near the water and go in the water and they can drown," she said. "Water's quiet and it's fast. Children aren't afraid. They love water."

The Life Saving Society says to assess your own ability before assisting someone in trouble in the water.

The Grand River Conservation Authority says swimming in the ponds is not allowed and they do not have the facilities, staff, or resources to allow for safe swimming.

They add that because swimming is not permitted, there are no plans to install water safety equipment.

The incident is currently under investigation.

With reporting from Carmen Wong and Natalie Van Rooy