Toddler rescued by brave 11-year-old

Eleven-year-old Owen Pomfrett received a Bravery Commendation for his quick thinking last year.

While celebrating his younger brother’s birthday at Sandy Beach Reserve in Bassendean, Owen noticed three-year-old Dante in water over his head. Without hesitation, Owen dived under the water to grab Dante and lifted him to the surface, while Dante’s dad made his way over to them.

“Dante’s family were very grateful to Owen as his father wouldn’t have got out to him fast enough, so it could have ended horribly,” Owen’s mum Natasha said.

Australia’s inland waterways continue to be the leading location for fatal drownings, accounting for almost one-third of all drowning deaths in the 2016/17 financial year. Last year, 97 people died in the nation’s inland waterways, including 68 at rivers and creeks, and 29 at lakes and dams.

Royal Life Saving Society WA is trying to make our inland waterways a much safer place to enjoy with the Respect the River campaign.