Cesar Galeana: 7-Year-Old Utah Boy Rescues Toddler From Drowning

Cesar Galeana, a 7-year-old boy from West Valley, Utah is being hailed a hero after he rescued a two-year-old toddler from almost certain death. According to ABC 13 News, Cesar’s timely intervention helped save the life of the toddler who had fallen into a pool. Local authorities confirmed that the incident occurred at a pool located at the Village at Rivers Edge apartments, 1251 W. Village Main Drive.

The incident reportedly happened last week, at around 2 p.m., local time on Thursday when Cesar was walking to his cousin’s home to play video games. Cesar told police officers that he saw the little toddler struggling and splashing in the water. Cesar almost instinctively ran towards the pool in a bid to rescue the toddler. Without wasting much time, he managed to get close to the water and with all his strength managed to pull the toddler in. In an interview to local TV news stations, Cesar told reporters that pulling the toddler out of the pool was no “walk in the park.” Galeana also added that the toddler was a bit heavy for him to pull him out without help from others. When asked why he chose to risk his life to save the little toddler, Cesar replied;

“I was worried, because I … thought he was going to die. So (I) ran and saved him.”

According to senior police officials from the West Valley Police Department, Cesar, after pulling the toddler out called for help and managed to alert an adult who called 911.

“I’m like, ‘What should I do? What should I do?” he said. “I ran, got the (gate open), got him out, put him on the (ground and) told the office it was a drowning.”

Within minutes, emergency services reached the spot and administered first aid. Cesar made it a point to stay back until the toddler was taken to a local hospital for further treatment. He later described the entire incident like this:

“First the firefighter, and then the cops, and then the ambulance,” he said.

Later, officials confirmed to local media persons that the toddler was saved in the nick of time and that the child is expected to survive.

Great job Cesar!… https://t.co/LkR1fbAuwR

— Steve Uyehara (@SteveUyehara) August 5, 2016

Meanwhile, officials are trying to investigate how the toddler managed to reach the pool, which officials say was behind the safety of a gate. Initial investigations seem to point that the toddler managed to crawl through a small gap in the gate. The parents of the little toddler were unaware about the entire episode and did not have any idea that their baby had slipped away and was in danger. Meanwhile, the complex has now plugged the gap using zip ties just to ensure no such incident happens there in the near future. The pool too, has been temporarily closed.

After news of Cesar’s feat spread, he was widely praised by everyone – including the emergency responders.

“You did a good job. You did good,” an emergency worker told him.

Cesar was also widely praised by officials from the West Valley Police Station, who in a Facebook post said:

“HAIL, CESAR! When we responded to a report of a toddler drowning at a WVC apartment complex, we couldn’t believe the unlikely hero who saved the toddler’s life. We think Cesar has a real future as a first responder!”

The Facebook thread also had several comments from people and groups praising the little rescuer.

https://www.facebook.com/WVCPolice/posts/693191714165697

“Shoot, 14 more years till he can apply to the force,” wrote Salt Lake Metro LEO’s – a page for Law Enforcement Officers and supporters in the Salt Lake Metropolitan and surrounding area.

Another resident, Amanda Lynne Nelson wrote; “Whoo hoo! I’m so happy you helped him and there is a happy ending. What a hero!”

The identity of the little toddler or his parents have not been officially revealed yet.

[Image Via Pixabay]