Girl, 7, hailed a 'hero' after diving into pool to save toddler from drowning

Phoebe Van Niel from Perth has been praised for her quick-wittedness as she plunged into a public swimming pool after being the first to notice that a toddler had accidentally fallen into the water

The incident happened in Broome, Western Australia (

Image: 9 news)

A seven-year-old girl has been hailed a heroine for saving a toddler from drowning after she fell into a public swimming pool.

Phoebe Van Niel, a second year pupil from Perth, was on vacation with her parents at a hotel in Broome, located in the far northwest of Western Australia, when she saw the toddler fall accidentally in the pool.

The little girl was praised for her quick thinking, as she dived straight into the pool without hesitation, long before anyone noticed the toddler was in distress.

The pool was packed with people, but Phoebe managed to swim up to the child, pull her out of the water and out of the pool, just when people were starting to realize that she was in trouble.

Years of swimming lessons have made Phoebe confident around the water (

Picture:

9 News)

Of the incident, Phoebe said, "She jumped into the big pool with no floats. Well, she slipped out...She could have drowned and I didn't want that to happen."

Phoebe's mother Renae Van Niel admitted her daughter's split-second move left her in shock. She said: "At first there was a lot of panic. But as soon as they saw this Phoebe pulled her out of the water and swam to the edge.

"Everyone was able to relax a bit knowing she would be fine."