A TEENAGE lifeguard with less than two months’ experience has been praised for his role in rescuing a drowning child at a Balga aquatic centre last month.
Atot Amoly (17) was pivotal in saving a young boy who fell into the 25m pool at Leisurepark Balga after slipping off an inflatable platform.
The lifeguard, who completed his Royal Life Saving Lifeguard Course training only last December, said he had been quick to spring into action after seeing the boy in trouble.
“I spotted this little 10-year-old kid who had slipped and fell off the side; he was sinking down and struggling to get back up,” he said.
“I jumped in straight straight away, pulled him out from under the water and took him to the side of the pool, where another lifeguard helped me get him on to the pool deck.
“He was struggling to get back up, but thankfully he was OK.”
The Mercy College student, who came to Australia aged 12 after growing up in Sudan, said he had started at the centre early last year through a work experience program at the school.
“Once I had finished my hours they asked me to be a lifeguard here and I was more than happy to do it,” he said.
“I just enjoy serving people and looking after them and trying my best to be a role model around people.
“But I was very proud to save a kid’s life. A moment like that happens only once in a while and I’m relieved I was able to help.”
Leisurepark facility manager Luke Ellis said he was “very pleased” with Atot’s role in the rescue.
“I think it’s fantastic that we’ve got someone local who has joined us initially through work experience at the centre and proved himself to be capable,” he said.