Boy (12) Rescues Two-Year-Old – He Taught Himself To Swim At Denaby This Year!

September 1956

South Yorkshire Times September 8, 1956

Boy (12) Rescues Two-Year-Old
He Taught Himself To Swim At Denaby This Year!

“We didn’t even know our lad could swim; it was all a great surprise and we are very proud of him,” said the parents of Malcolm Martin (12), 51, Church Road, Denaby, after he had rescued a small boy from drowning in Swinton Canal on Monday.

Malcolm had gone Trainspotting at Swinton station with his friend Kenneth Howitt, and after a time the two boys split up, Kenneth going into the station and Malcolm to the canal. Malcolm, seeing a disturbance, went down to the water to investigate. In the middle of the canal was a boy two years of age, who had lost all control and was slowly drowning. Without any hesitation Malcolm took off his jacket and shoes and dived into the water. He dragged the child to the bank where he made temporary attempts to revive him. After a few moments the child’s father arrived, and after artificial respiration, the two-year-old recovered.

What happened to Malcolm?

Due to the kindness of an old lady who lived nearby he well looked after. “I should like to express my gratitude to this lady. She took Malcolm to her house, dried his clothes,  gave him a hot cup of tea and saw him safely home said Mr and Mrs Malcolm

Malcolm unknown to his parents taught himself to swim at Denaby Baths this year.