You’re never too young to become a hero!
A 7-year-old California kid saved a toddler from the bottom of a swimming pool, Good Morning America (GMA) reports.
7-year-old Massiah Browne was swimming with family members at the apartment complex in Sacramento, California where he lives when he saw something suspicious at the bottom of the pool.
“I was just playing in the pool and then I saw a boy at the bottom of the pool,” Massiah told reporters.
That’s when he sprang into action, swimming down in 6-feet deep water to rescue the boy. His mother, Tiara Delvalle, said she also rushed to the pool from her apartment when she was notified by family members about what was happening.
(l to r) Massiah, 7, & Savannah, 9. Photo Courtesy of Tiara Delvalle/Good Morning America
Massiah said he saw the 3-year-old boy at the bottom of the pool with his eyes and mouth open, swimming down to get him and pulling his arm until they reached the pool’s surface. At the top, Massiah’s family member, 9-year-old Savannah, helped pull the boy onto the pool’s deck where adults stepped in and called 911.
“Savannah brought him to his mom and then they did CPR on the boy and then they called the doctor,” Massiah recalled.
CPR was executed until he was breathing again, with first responders arriving shortly afterward.
“The child was transported in critical condition with advanced life support efforts provided by Sacramento firefighters,” said a Sacramento Fire Department spokesperson.
Delvalle is in touch with the mom of the toddler who said he is doing well, calling the boy’s recovery a “miracle.”
Massiah’s dad, Olympic boxer Marcus Browne, said he was in shock at hearing of his son’s heroism although he admits the 7-year-old “swims like a fish.”
“I just couldn’t believe it. He’s a good kid,” said Browne.
According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4, with male toddlers and teenage boys at the highest risk for drowning. For children’s water safety tips, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Now Massiah, who already goes by his superhero nickname “Siah Fire,” has just earned another stripe on his hero belt. We are so proud of you, Massiah. Keep swimming!
Photo Courtesy of Tiara Delvalle/Good Morning America