Two boys receive Victoria Police award for helping save five-year-old at PARC, Frankston
Two quick-thinking children have received awards for helping to save the life of a five-year-old boy who lay motionless under the water at an indoor swimming pool in Melbourne’s southeast. Here’s how they did it.
South East
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Two quick-thinking children immediately alerted an adult when they spotted a young boy motionless in a swimming pool.
Mick Bourke, whose son and nephew saved the life of the drowning five-year-old, said the incident highlighted the importance of water education.
Mr Bourke’s son Henry, 7, and his cousin Will, 8, were swimming in the large indoor pool at PARC, Frankston on January 11 when they spotted a younger boy under the water.
VICTORIAN DROWNING STATS HIT FIVE-YEAR HIGH
When the cousins realised the child wasn’t moving they immediately got out of the pool and informed their grandfather who was sitting close by.
He alerted a lifeguard who dived into the pool in his clothes and retrieved the boy.
The child was revived at the centre and taken to Frankston hospital. He was kept in overnight but made a full recovery the next day.
CCTV of the dramatic rescue revealed the boy had been under the water for more than a minute.
A proud Mr Bourke said the boys were “a bit stressed” after the rescue.
“They didn’t know what happened to the boy but once they knew he was all right then they were happy,” Mr Bourke said.
“I’m absolutely proud of the boys and impressed with their quick thinking.
“The incident reinforces how quickly things can go bad but also highlights the need for education about water safety.”
Mr Bourke said both boys took swimming lessons which had proved to be “really valuable”.
Frankston Senior Sergeant Phil Hulley nominated the boys for a Victoria Police Citizens Commendation which was awarded to them earlier this month.
“It was fantastic observation from the young lads,” Senior Sergeant Hulley said.
“Their actions saved the lives of a five-year-old boy who would have otherwise needlessly drowned.”