Four teenage girls saved a man's life after they had a "gut feeling" something was wrong when they spotted him lying on the beach. The courageous teenagers, aged between 13 and 14, had been for a swim at the beach after school on Tuesday (May 16).
Returning from the water, the girls noticed a man lying on his back. His eyes were open and his body was shaking.
The group - Savanna Sloane, 14, Ocean-Dawn Wild, 13, Ronnie Adams, 14 and their friend - knew they had to act fast. They helped roll the man, who was having a diabetic fit, over into a recovery position while awaiting the arrival of an ambulance.
Ronnie's mum, Kyla Adams, 47, said: "I knew the girls had gone for a swim after school, but it wasn't until she got home and told me they had saved someone's life that I found out what happened. They said they'd seen this man lying on the floor, and knew something wasn't quite right with him.
"When they got closer they saw he was fitting but with his eyes open so they phoned an ambulance and waved down a nearby woman. I think they were scared, my daughters never seen anything like that before, but I'm so glad they went over.
"Ronnie's so pleased and proud of what they did. They know they've done good and the school has been great too. They want to get in touch with the man and go and get an ice cream with him."
Ronnie said: “It was quite scary because I've never seen that before, it was quite a different experience; I was frightened for him. I’m glad he’s okay, I have family with diabetes - I was shocked how many people walked past him.”
Once the paramedics took over, the girls stayed to assist them in carrying their equipment off of the beach. It is understood the individual is now in a stable condition thanks to their swift response.
Savanna's mum Nicola Appiah-Kontoh, 41, said: "The first day or two she was still in shock and a bit dazed. It was a frightening experience but she's really happy now.
"The man had been laying there for about an hour apparently but everyone was just walking past and ignoring him. Thankfully she had a gut feeling that something wasn't right so they went over to see if he was okay.
"It was a really brave thing for them to do and I'm so proud of her."
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Ocean's mum, Natasha Wild, 47, said: "My daughter also has allergies so has to carry epi pens, if she was to have a reaction she hopes someone would do the same for her. She knew the implant device he had was diabetes as well which helped.
"A lot of people were stood by watching and doing nothing but the girls rolled him over and got him in the recovery position. I think she's a bit overwhelmed with it all, but I'm glad they went to the beach the day they did or that man might not have lived.
"Ocean is only 13, she's the baby of the group, but they all did brilliantly and I couldn't be prouder."
Paramedic Chloe Dodds, who rushed to the incident on Margate beach in Kent, said: “Well done and thank you to all of the girls for their quick thinking and actions in assisting the gentleman and ensuring he received the help he needed. #
"They were also extremely helpful to us in collecting equipment from the beach. They should be very proud."
