This is the breathtaking moment a sharp-minded father's lightning-fast reflexes are believed to have prevented his young daughter from drowning after she tumbled into the family swimming pool.
Keoki Silva, 43, was keeping watch over one-year-old Aria as she played beside the pool at their home in Bakersfield, California. Then, without warning, the toddler lost her balance and plunged headfirst into the water.
In an instant, Keoki sprang to his feet and threw himself towards the water, seizing Aria by her ankle and hauling her to safety. Fortunately, his daughter emerged from the ordeal completely unharmed and was merely shocked by the cold water.
Heroic father Keoki said: "It was pure instinct and adrenaline. The second I saw her falling, I lunged forward, grabbed her securely, and pulled her out safely."
He uploaded a video of the dramatic rescue to Instagram and reflected after the incident on May 17 that children need the freedom to explore – while emphasising that remaining vigilant is an essential element of parenthood.
"Things can change in the blink of an eye. My little girl was so excited to be outside, and saying 'no' to that face is nearly impossible. The afternoon was calm and perfect - I was glancing at my son on the camera while keeping her in my peripheral vision."
"Then she lost her balance and disappeared under the water. Adrenaline hit like lightning. Thank God Dad's reflexes are like that of a ninja! In seconds she was safe in my arms."
"She held her breath like a champ and didn't swallow any water. After the initial shock of her very first time fully underwater, she shook it off like it was nothing... and immediately wanted to keep playing by the pool. I believe in letting kids do dangerous things safely [to a reasonable extent]."
"The younger they safely experience real-world risks, the more aware and capable they become - so if they're ever on their own in a tough spot, they'll know how to handle it."
"I know some people will wonder why my young child is close to a pool... but this is exactly why. I'm right there actively supervising and guiding them every time. You never know when a peaceful moment can turn into a lifesaving one."
