A MARSHALL Security officer has recounted how he helped a young boy who fell into a pool at a holiday complex in uMhlanga a little more than a week ago.

Ntokozo ‘Happy’ Sambo was patrolling the uMhlanga Promenade when he helped in the non-fatal drowning incident at a complex on Lagoon Drive.

Not even being shocked by the electric fencing three times could stop the 22-year-old as he helped perform CPR on the six-year-old boy.

The youngster from Gauteng was on holiday with his family at the time of the incident.

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“I was on my normal patrol when I heard screams for help. I ran to the complex wall and asked a member of the public to boost me over the wall. I was shocked by the electric fencing in my attempts to get over but I didn’t feel anything. I got to the pool and found the young child unconscious at the bottom of the pool. I jumped in with everything I had, my watch, my radio and all my clothing. I pulled him out and started CPR while others called for help.

“My only thought was about saving him. It was quite emotional watching the paramedics and lifesavers then work on him when they arrived. It reminded me of my mother’s passing. My mother needed someone to react as quickly as I did when she passed. When the little boy’s eyes opened I laid a hand on him and said a prayer of thanks. I just believe that was my good deed for the day, it was not about credit but saving his life,” he said.

The youngster has recovered after a short time in hospital and is back in Johannesburg.

Sambo, who plays lock for Crusaders Rugby Club in Durban North, has dreams of one day playing professional rugby.

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