A SEVEN-year-old boy has been hailed a hero for saving his three-year-old brother from drowning in the family swimming pool.
Inspired by his favourite TV programme, Jack Dudley leapt into action when he saw toddler Sam plunge into the pool without his armbands and begin to sink.
Jack, who has been swimming since he was four, pulled his brother to the surface on his seco
nd attempt and managed to swim to the side with him in his arms.
His terrified parents then frantically began to revive unconscious Sam - and after a few seconds he began to choke and gurgle.
Jack said he was inspired cartoon hero, Ben 10, which features a boy superhero.
Relieved dad Pete, 45, said: "It happened so fast but through a series of coincidences the children, who were playing happily in the pool, were out of view for about half a minute.
"But in that time Sam decided to take off his armbands and make a jump for the inflatable in our pool. But he missed and started sinking to the bottom. "
Sam had an overnight stay in hospital but was then able to return to the family's home in Brayton, near Selby, North Yorkshire, none the worse for his experience.
Hero Jack said: "I'm happy he is alright because he is my baby brother and we are good friends. He is always smiling. I watch programmes like Ben 10 which have heroes and I'm glad I saved him."
Mr Dudley added: "It just shows how quickly something can happen with children. I was talking with a friend while Kim popped to the loo and they seemed to be playing confidently and happily. But in that 30 second window Sam decided to take his armbands off and it just happened. We've certainly learned a big lesson and I would encourage other parents to take note."
Full story in Wednesday's Yorkshire Post.The full article contains 336 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
