A quick-thinking five-year-old has been hailed as a hero for his role in saving his mother from drowning after she accidentally fell into the River Wear.
On a sunny Wednesday evening, Kimberley Allison, a business owner, and her son Logan were enjoying a pleasant walk along the River Wear in Washington. The pair decided to pause and engage in a game of skipping rocks across the water in Fatfield. However, their peaceful excursion took a disastrous turn when Kimberley lost her footing on the embankment and ended up submerged in the river.
Struggling to free herself from the thick mud, Kimberley found herself in a perilous situation as the water level continued to rise. Sensing the urgency of the moment, young Logan immediately called out to his mother, instructing her to dial 999 and request assistance from the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS). Unfortunately, Kimberley’s phone had been damaged by the water and was rendered unusable.
So the pint-sized hero went to find an adult and was quickly able to flag down a passer-by who could call for help.
The member of the public did just that and TWFRS crews were deployed from nearby Washington Community Fire Station at 5.09pm.
Just minutes later the 39-year-old heard sirens and a rush of boots on the ground, with Logan helping to direct firefighters to her location.
The mam-of-three has now thanked the TWFRS firefighters who pulled her from the water – and the five-year-old hero who saved her life.
“Honestly I was looking at Logan on the side of the River and I was trying not to panic for Logan’s sake, but I thought I had about 10 minutes.
“He stayed so calm and when I could hear the sirens it was like a sigh of relief because I know I’d be alright soon.
“I’m a bit shaken up and sore as I was trying to use all my strength to get myself out of the River but Logan is fine – I think he was just so excited to see the firefighters in real life action.
“I am so proud of him. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say his actions have saved my life as I was out of sight of anyone who would be walking by.
“He loves to wear his Spiderman costume, and loves all the hero films, but he has been able to write his own hero story now!
“I must also say a big thanks to the firefighters, I was amazed at how quickly they arrived and how quickly they acted.
“They kept me as calm as possible, got me out of the water and made sure I was okay and got home safely. They were amazing.”
Kimberley, who lives in Washington
Firefighters from their local fire station have praised Logan’s bravery during his mam’s time of need.
“Logan was an incredibly brave boy for staying calm and finding someone he trusted to give us a call during such a scary incident with his Mam last night.
“It can be quiet frightening when you enter the water so suddenly like Kimberley did because even when the weather is nice, the water can be freezing and cause your body to go into cold water shock.
“I want to say thank you to our fire control and firefighters for getting to Kimberley so quickly in her time of need and getting her safely back to Logan.”
Station Manager for Washington Community Fire Station, Martin Farrow
The weather may be getting warmer, but the water can be icy cold, and TWFRS cannot stress enough the risks of cold-water shock, and the effect this has on even the most competent of swimmers.
They say only consider entering the water in controlled environments where there are lifeguards on duty, and do not go for a swim in rivers, lakes, or unsupervised bodies of water where there could be a number of hidden dangers.
If you do see anyone in difficulty in the water then don’t enter the water. Instead, call 999 and ask for the fire service if you are inland or the Coastguard if you are by the sea.
Spending time in water this weekend? ☀️🌊
— Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (@Tyne_Wear_FRS) June 3, 2023
Beware of cold water shock and remember this advice, it could save your life.
If you get into difficulty remember three words 👉 Float to Live.
Lean back, spread your arms and legs, wait until the shock passes.
Please #BeWaterAware 🧡 pic.twitter.com/RlkPj8kOTb
If you get in difficulty yourself then a simple skill to remember is ‘Float to Live’.
Simply lean back like a starfish and use your arms and legs to stay afloat.
This will allow you to control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety. The technique has been proven to save lives.
