Young sailor hailed a hero for saving girl from sea
12:00pm Friday 29th April 2011
A YOUNG sailor has been hailed a hero, aged only eight, after rescuing a girl of five who fell into the sea off a kayak.
When Thomas Goodsell, of Colne Road, Brightlingsea, saw the girl clinging to the kayak, he jumped off his sailing boat and swam to save her.
The young lifesaver grabbed her and swam her to shore, where her relieved parents were waiting.
His mum, Nicky Henderson, said: “There were three children in the kayak and the little girl fell out.
“Thomas was in a sailing boat and saw her struggling. I whistled to him to get his attention and he jumped into the sea and brought her in, out of the water.
“He did not question it or think, but just acted. I am really proud of him.”
The children were enjoying the warm weather on Saturday, near Brightlingsea Sailing Club.
Ms Henderson said: “The girl is fine. Everyone was watching, but he is a very energetic child and a strong swimmer. He was about 20ft away, but he jumped in and when he reached her, he managed to pick her up and swam her ashore.
“The little girl’s mother was really pleased. Others just froze, but Thomas went straight in.”
The family recently returned from living in Valencia, Spain, and were enjoying the long weekend at their beach hut near the sailing club.
Children had been sailing all week and the kayaking proved a popular attraction.
Ms Henderson said: “They were all wearing lifejackets, but she was struggling and with the kayak bouncing, it could have hit her on the head.
“Everyone was grateful they are all fine.”
