A man is being hailed a hero after jumping a fence to rescue a four-year-old boy with autism who had fallen into a backyard pool.
According to witnesses, the child had wandered away from home before finding his way into a neighbour’s property. CCTV footage shows the boy slipping into the water and struggling to stay afloat.
Without hesitation, a man nearby scaled the fence, sprinted to the pool, and pulled the child to safety. The rescue happened in just seconds — a difference that likely saved the boy’s life.
Neighbours say the quick-thinking stranger didn’t even stop to take off his shoes before leaping in. “He just reacted — no second thoughts, no questions. It was pure instinct,” one witness told local news.
Paramedics arrived shortly after and confirmed the boy was conscious and breathing, though shaken. He was taken to a nearby hospital as a precaution.
Police are praising the rescuer’s courage, reminding the public that even a few minutes of inattention can lead to tragedy when it comes to children and water.
The incident is also sparking renewed calls for better fencing and pool safety measures, particularly for children with autism who may be prone to wandering.
