They had two options—continue with their game, or take action. Small, weak boys couldn't physically jump into the water and save her. What could they do? The five youngsters, aged between 11 and 12, close to call for help.
Here's a case when a mobile phone serves the utmost purpose.
After the police and coastguard arrived, she was rescued from the water.
A police spokesman commented on the way the incident could have resulted in a tragic ending. He thanked the boys for their swift and conscientious actions.
Apparently, the boys learned these skills through their attendance at the Risk Factory, an initiative designed to equip young people with the ability to use their initiative in crucial situations.
Police Scotland commended them for their bravery, quick thinking, and for demonstrating an outstanding community spirit. As a reward, the boys were taken for a tour of Drylaw police station.
I love stories about children who help other people in times of need. All too often, we hear the reverse. The Risk factory sounds like an excellent way to train youngsters to think out of the box. No need to run and tell someone—take action to save someone's life.
I'll share an incident from 1968, when my family and I lived in South Australia.
On one social event with my husband's workmates, we picnicked on the banks of the Murray River. Everyone in the arty, social group brought food and wine. We sat around in the warm air talking while the children played. I wore my favourite black fedora for sun protection, strap dangling over my chest. Slightly on edge, I wasn't sure I fitted into the friendly group of chatting people from the television station.
Suddenly, a scream pierced the air from the direction of the water's edge. My son pointed into the depths, where his young sister's long blond hair swirled in the current. The closest men rushed into the mighty Murry river's murky water. Joined by her father, they emerged carrying her, and set her on the ground.
She coughed and sat up. “What happened?”
“I saved you,” my seven year-old son said. “You were under the water. I yelled for help.”
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. I couldn't believe such a thing could happen. I'd only looked away for a moment, but that lack of attention could have been fatal.
Have you ever saved someone's life?