11-year-old duo were fishing when they saw a child 'floating’ in the lake — their instant response saved his life
Smart and timely action can be excellent responses in terms of emergencies, even if you’re a child. A 11-year-old duo, Princeton Hoang and Julian Mata, were quick enough to think intelligently and respond during an unprecedented situation, per NBC Los Angeles. The duo was fishing at Don Knabe Community Regional Park when they saw what seemed to be a child floating in the lake. Despite being scared and confused, the duo chose to act astutely and take all the necessary steps to save the child’s life. The duo were casually fishing when they saw a child floating in the water.
It was a 2-year-old boy, Nico, who needed help. The boy was riding his bike and was accompanied by his dad and younger sibling, per ABC 7. While the dad was attending to the younger one, Nico went out of sight and ended up in the water. "I saw a bike and then I looked over and saw a floating kid. I was just scared and called the cops,” Princeton recalled. The duo called 911 and Deputy Xavier Alvarez arrived on the scene. “The child was unconscious and not breathing. He did not have a pulse,” Alvarez explained, per KTLA 5. He immediately pulled the toddler from the water and started administering CPR.
The footage showed medics and the officers on standby as Alvarez performed CPR, hoping for the best. After around 3 minutes, Alvarez noticed the boy’s chest start to move. He understood that he was breathing and was relieved. Nico was then hospitalized and eventually recovered. The officer noted that he was just doing his duty while also thinking that the boy could have been his own. "My children ... they're adults, but it does take you back. It makes you wonder, 'What if that was my child at that point?' I wanted to do just about everything to save that child,” Alvarez said.
Princeton and Mata were commended for their efforts and for smartly involving authorities to ensure efficiency and safety. The duo were seen in court in the presence of their parents, officers and others, receiving much recognition for their work. "We’re very proud. He’s been around law enforcement his whole life. His aunt is with LASD, so I think he just picked it up,” Princeton’s mom, Angela, remarked. Los Angeles County Fire Department Deputy Chief Elenie Pappas said, "Kudos to Preston and Julian. What an amazing example of two young men and thank you to their families because they could not have done what they did unless their families taught them how to do it.”
Their actions have inspired the world to be astute and vigilant. The internet, too, is commending the young men for taking not just quick but the right action. @mariannemahoney617 said, “Those young men who immediately recognized they needed to seek help are heroes.” @thomasag2765 added, “Those kids are heroes. God bless them.” @kezz55 remarked, “This is such a good story, thank you to the two kids who found him and the deputies who did an excellent job resuscitating the young boy.”