An eight-year-old girl is being hailed as a hero for saving a young boy from drowning in the River Tay’s Moncreiffe Island in Perth. Tierney Batt, who is unable to swim, heard Cayden Peterson, 12, screaming for help as he struggled in the water.
She sprang into action and waded in to keep his head above water until help arrived. Cayden’s mother, Kerry, described Tierney as “incredibly brave, calm and simply amazing” for putting herself in harm’s way to save her son.
Cayden’s mother has issued a warning to other parents, saying that the water might look calm and shallow, but there could be an undercurrent that could catch someone off guard. She revealed that just a week after Tierney’s rescue, she witnessed a similar incident, which has left her feeling scared and concerned.
Tierney’s father, Greig, is astounded by his daughter’s selfless actions, but says he was also scared for her safety. He says that he is proud of Tierney, who he believes acted on adrenaline, and that the family of the boy she rescued has thanked them so much for her actions.
Cayden’s mom Kerry says, “For a young child she did something some adults might not have thought about”.
Tierney Batt’s heroic actions serve as an inspiration to us all. She shows that age is just a number, and that anyone can be a hero if they put others before themselves. It is also a reminder to be cautious around water and to always be mindful of the potential dangers.