Mom Calls 12-Year-Old Girl a ‘Little Hero’ After She Saved Her Daughter from Drowning During a Seizure

**Young Heroine Saves Friend from Drowning in Harrowing Beach Incident**

In a remarkable act of bravery, a 12-year-old girl named Tamika Hezzell has been celebrated as a “little hero” after she saved her friend from drowning during a terrifying episode at Pensarn Beach in North Wales. The young girl’s quick-thinking actions significantly altered the course of a potentially tragic day for her friend, 14-year-old Sofia-Ann McKenna, who suffered a seizure while swimming.

The event unfolded on May 28, when Tamika, Sofia-Ann, and another friend, 12-year-old Ruby Wilkins, decided to take a dip in the water at the beach, also known as a drive-on area in Abergele, Conwy. Unfortunately, the strong tide pulled the trio into deeper waters, making it increasingly difficult for them to return to the shore.

As the girls struggled against the waves, Sofia-Ann suddenly began experiencing a seizure and vanished beneath the surface. In the chaotic moments that followed, Tamika demonstrated exceptional composure. “Tamika got hold of her hair and pulled her back up and onto her shoulder,” recounted Sofia-Ann’s mother, Jade McKenna, in an interview with North Wales Live. The two girls then worked tirelessly to paddle towards the safety of the shallows while calling for assistance as Sofia-Ann became unresponsive.

Fortunately, their cries for help did not go unheard, and a nearby beachgoer stepped in to administer CPR to Sofia-Ann once she was pulled to safety. Emergency services, including coastguard teams, police, and ambulances, quickly descended on the scene, ready to provide medical assistance.

Sofia-Ann was subsequently transported to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan, where doctors drained water from her lungs. Despite suffering further seizures during her time in the ambulance, she is now recovering well, with her mother revealing that “she is OK now after a week home resting.”

Jade McKenna has expressed immense gratitude towards Tamika for her life-saving actions, stating, “If it wasn’t for Tamika getting Sofia up and out the water, she wouldn’t be with us today.” The incident has left a profound impact on Jade, who reflects on the terrifying nature of the situation. “This hit me so hard that I could have lost her,” she said.

Tamika’s actions did not come without a personal cost. Throughout the ordeal, she too was dragged under the waves and sustained injuries, including painful bruises on her legs from hitting rocks and a sore throat from swallowing seawater. Despite these challenges, her instinct to help her friend remained unwavering.

Tamika’s mother, Shantika Hezzell, proudly remarked on her daughter’s selflessness during the desperate situation. “Tamika got dragged under as well, but she still focused on Sofia and getting her out of the water,” she told the BBC. This loyalty and bravery have resonated with many in the local community and beyond.

The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the impact that swift action and courage can have in life-threatening situations. Jade commented on the collective effort by those who came to aid her daughter, including the beachgoer who performed CPR. “Without her and the amazing ladies who helped, my baby wouldn’t be here today,” Jade stated firmly.

As the community rallies around both girls and their families, Tamika has since been celebrated not only as a hero but also as a symbol of friendship and bravery in the face of adversity. Her quick and brave response in such a precarious situation has left a lasting impression on all who have heard their story. Tamika Hezzell and Sofia-Ann McKenna’s experience at Pensarn Beach is a compelling testament to the power of quick thinking and the enduring bonds of friendship.