Four teenagers from KwaZulu-Natal were recently praised for saving a three-year-old boy’s life after he nearly drowned.

Jasmine Polentas, Jade Ryan, Leah and Skyla Maggott, will never forget Sunday, May 15.

Nombuso Nzimande’s three-year-old son, Sibonakaliso (Sbo) Nzimande, was found unconscious in their family pool on the day. According to Nzimande, she went out into the street crying for help.

The four teenagers heard her screams for help and immediately jumped into action. Jasmine (14) took it upon herself to start life-saving CPR while Jade, Leah and Skyla ran to their teacher’s house to get his attention, knowing that he was a first responder for the Specialised Tactical Accident Rescue Team (START).

After realising what had happened, the START medical team rushed to the scene, followed by Emer-G-Med paramedics and Netcare 911 advanced-life-support paramedics. Before he could be transferred to the hospital, the teams laboured tirelessly on young Sbo.

Despite the fact that Sbo had stabilised, medical personnel were unsure if he would live, and if he did, what irreversible disabilities he would suffer. The family contacted START the next evening to give the news that Sbo had recovered as if nothing had occurred.

Both Sbo’s mother, Nzimande, and START’s spokesperson, Warren Brauns, began the morning of May 15 with words of profound thankfulness.

“I am forever grateful to these young girls. If they did not hear my cry for help, my baby would not be here today,” said an emotional Nzimande.

On June 12, START members gathered to honour the “remarkable miracle that is little Sbo,” as well as to express gratitude to the young ladies who boldly intervened to save his life just a month ago.

“The four young ladies were praised for their bravery, fast response and dedication to their community. START awarded each of these young ladies a certificate in recognition for their rapid actions in initiating life-saving measures.

“They also received a gift from uShaka Marine World, which included tickets to uShaka SeaWorld, Wet ‘n Wild, a Snorkel Lagoon experience, and a Shark Cage dive in the large Shark Exhibit. The gift was donated by Animal Encounters and presented by Craig Smith, the assistant curator for the South African Association for Marine Biological Research,” said Brauns.

After hearing his story, Toys R Us, Watercrest Mall, and Celebrate with Kerby’s kindly sponsored some presents for little Sbo. These included toys, toiletries, vouchers and balloons.

“We will never forget the day little Sbo almost became an angel, but today, we celebrated the little miracle that he is, and who knows, maybe one day he will be a CEO, manage his own NPO, or perhaps be the next President!” Brauns concluded.