Baby critical after slipping into pool on New Year's Eve

A TODDLER had to be resuscitated after nearly drowning in a backyard pool during New Year's Eve celebrations near Newcastle.

The boy's family have requested police release few details but it is believed the 18-month-old slipped into the pool and was pulled from the water unconscious.

Paramedics performed CPR and the boy was taken to John Hunter Hospital where he remained in a critical condition on Wednesday.