The quick thinking of Sunshine Leisure Centre lifeguard Denzel Pieterse saved a toddler’s life earlier this year.
On a busy swim school night in early August, the 21-year-old was on duty and kept a close eye on a enthusiastic toddler who jumped into the deep end.
“As soon as he entered the water I knew he was in trouble,” he said.
“His arms were reaching up to the surface of the water, but his body was sinking toward the bottom, quickly.”
Mr Pieterse said he quickly acted to pull the boy out of the water.
“Luckily he wasn’t too far out, so I was able to reach him, I bent down onto my knees to reach for his wrist to pull him out,” he said.
“Any longer, and things may have turned out differently.
“Even through the boy’s mother was watching on, this situation showed just how quickly little ones can get away from you, particularly when they’re in an exciting aquatic environment.”
Life Saving Victoria presented Mr Pieterse with an Everyday Lifesaver award on Wednesday, September 28.
Sunshine Leisure Centre facility operations supervisor said he was proud of Mr Pieterse’s quick response to the incident.
“It was amazing to see how proactive Denzel was, it’s great to see all the training we do come together,” he said.
Matthew Sims
