Indy, Kellie, Milla and Dean Fearnall following the Bravery Award presentation.
Camera IconIndy, Kellie, Milla and Dean Fearnall following the Bravery Award presentation. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Bateman’s Milla Fearnall (6) the youngest to receive Bravery Award after saving her sister’s life

Aaron CorlettMelville Gazette

BATEMAN Primary School student Milla Fearnall became the youngest Bravery Award recipient in 2018, after she received a Gold Star for saving her sister’s life.

The six-year-old received the award from Royal Life Saving WA at her school on Friday after showing quick-thinking during a family holiday at the beach in Useless Loop last October.

She was playing in the shallow water when she noticed that her three-year-old sister Indy had fallen over and become submerged.

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Without a thought for her own safety, Milla raced over to help her sister, holding her head up out of the water while calling for their mum, Kellie, to come and help.

Mrs Fearnall said Milla’s bravery was a real lifesaver and she was proud of her composure and quick-thinking to pull her sister up and hold her head out of the water.

“She was only five at the time and acted so calmly and well beyond her years,” she said.

When her mum arrived, Indy was limp and pale and after being removed from the water.

She was taken to a medical centre where she received treatment for water on the lungs.

Mrs Fearnall said the award was a real honour for her daughter.

“It was such a surprise to hear Milla had won the award as we didn’t realise she had been nominated,” she said.

“It’s great for her to be recognised for her actions and hopefully encourage other kids her age to remain calm in scary situations.

“She is very excited about the award, and has used it as ammunition against her sister, saying ‘remember when I saved your life.’”