An unconscious police officer was brought ashore after a high school student, James, spotted him floating face down in the water. He had no pulse and wasn’t breathing. What James did next saved his life!
Eastern Cape, South Africa (27 January 2026) – Grade 11 student at Dainfern College in Johannesburg, James Smith, has earned his hero badge after saving a police officer.
It happened over the school holidays, while he was visiting Kei Mouth in the Eastern Cape. Strolling the beach, James’ sharp eye noticed someone floating in the water, face down. He immediately alerted lifeguards, who brought the unconscious man ashore.
“As the man was brought ashore with no pulse and no signs of breathing after being underwater for several minutes, James sprang into action,” shares James’ school, Dainfern College.
Drawing on what he had learned from a first aid programme at school, James began CPR on the unconscious police officer while rallying emergency response efforts and assisting lifeguards and paramedics on scene.
“James performed CPR for an extended period, helped manage airway support and ensured an AED was brought to the beach and emergency services were called,” the school shares.
Even under pressure, he stayed calm, acted quickly, and relied on what he had learned in training.
“Thanks to his calm leadership, quick thinking and medical training, the police officer was stabilised and later made a remarkable recovery, with no neurological damage,” the school shares.
James deserves his hero badge. Local police in Kei Mouth have extended their deepest appreciation, he’s been invited to assist with lifeguard training, and he’s been honoured with a first-of-its-kind award!
“In recognition of his courage, James has been formally thanked by the local police, invited to assist with lifeguard training, and honoured by the local municipality — becoming the first recipient of the Freedom of the Town award in the region.”
After the incident, James was reunited with the man he saved. He also received praise upon returning back to school – the first assembly for 2026 came with a special recognition for his bravery.
“James is an active member of the Dainfern College First Aid programme and volunteers extensively in his community. His actions are a powerful reminder of the life-saving impact of first aid training and the values of service, leadership and courage we strive to instil in our students.” the school shared.
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