Grandparents are the heart and soul of many families, and we often don't know what we would do without them. They are our heroes who love and protect us, but sometimes, they are the ones who need help. When Aurora Waanounou's grandfather became unresponsive in a swimming pool, the 10-year-old took charge of the situation and likely saved his life.
The tween acted fast, jumping into the water to save her grandfather and then calling 911. Her heroic deeds caught the attention of the Glynn County Police Department, which honored the brave teen on June 5.
More from CafeMom: 10-Year-Old Girl Named Miracle Performs 'Miracle' & Helps Deliver Her Baby Sister at Home
The family was enjoying a relaxing afternoon.
A release issued by the Glynn County Police Department issued a release Wednesday detailing the day's events.
According to the release, Aurora and her grandparents were at the pool at Deer Run Villas in Saint Simon's Island, Georgia. Aurora realized that her grandfather was unresponsive and ran inside to call 911. She remained calm and gave accurate details that helped dispatchers easily find her location to send help.
But that wasn't all.
Aurora's grandmother told police that before she called 911, the 10-year-old actually rescued her grandfather from the pool herself. He was face down in the water, too deep for Aurora to stand. But the situation became more serious because Aurora's grandmother can't swim and couldn't help. Aurora reportedly told her grandmother not to move and jumped in the water.
"Aurora was somehow able to muster up the strength and ability to push her grandfather to the edge of the pool where she and her grandmother were able to flip him over and keep his head above water. Aurora then jumped out of the pool and called 911," the release reads.
Aurora's incredible act of bravery caught the attention of local police.
On June 5, 2023, Interim Chief O'Neal Jackson III presented Aurora with the Citizen's Valor award for helping to save her grandfather's life.
Jackson's message read, "YOUR ACT OF BRAVERY ON JUNE 2, 2023, HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED FOR TAKING LIFESAVING STEPS TO SAVE YOUR GRANDFATHER FROM DROWNING AND I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR PUTTING YOUR SAFETY AT RISK DURING THIS LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION."
She was given a framed certificate as a reminder of her unwavering love and bravery.
Her grandfather is doing great.
Although details about what happened to her grandfather were not released, the sheriff's office reported that he is out of the hospital and doing well. He attended the ceremony and saw Aurora recognized for saving his life.
"It was our honor to recognize Aurora for her acts of bravery, and we are pleased to report that her grandfather is out of the hospital and was doing well enough to attend the ceremony recognizing Aurora's bravery," the release reads.
More from CafeMom: Dad of 4 Dies Rescuing 11-Year-Old Son & Friends From Rip Current During Birthday Trip
Plenty of people agree that Aurora is a hero.
Comments on the department's Facebook page show the community's pride in the tween hero.
"This is amazing! Great job! We need more stories like this! Such bravery and intelligence this young lady has. I know her family is very proud and grateful," one follower wrote.
Some called her an inspiration. "Congratulations Aurora! You are an inspiration to us all! We are so proud of you! You're such an amazing and beautiful young lady!!!!" a comment reads.
And several praised her for keeping a cool head.
"Thank you Miss Aurora, for being amazing and not panicking!!! Have a great summer!!" another person wrote. "Amazing young lady!! In such a stressful situation you handled it perfectly. Awesome!" someone else wrote.
