Boy, 7, rescues 2-year-old cousin from drowning in Irvine

TJ Livingston's favorite superhero is Superman, but on Sunday, the 7-year-old was credited with a heroic act of his own when he saved his cousin from drowning.

TJ said his 2-year-old cousin Brooklyn slipped under the water. The cousins were celebrating a 4th birthday party and TJ's upcoming 8th birthday at an apartment complex in Irvine.

"Me and her was in the jacuzzi and then maybe she must have got out and slipped and fell under the water," TJ said. "She tried to say 'help,' she tried to breathe, but she couldn't."

Firefighters said she was under for less than a minute when the quick-thinking boy grabbed her hand and pulled her out.

"I took her out and the bubbles were coming out her nose," TJ said.

The adults who were at the pool said they also sprang into action and started CPR on the little girl.

"In a couple of moments her chest started to contract and I kept doing the compressions," Angelica Reyes said. "Water kept coming out and she started breathing on her own and it was like a miracle, life just came back to her."

Brooklyn was rushed to the hospital where her family said she made a full recovery.

"I'm feeling better because I get to see my sister and I don't get to see my sister in pain," Samaria Livingston said.

They're also praising TJ with helping to save her life.

"I'm very proud of him," TJ's grandmother, Lori Livingston, said. "He was all shook up, but I let him know don't feel sad that he's a hero."

Firefighters said the incident is a good reminder for adults to always have eyes on children near water and to make sure kids are wearing flotation devices.

TJ said, who turns 8 on October 13, said he wants to be a firefighter when he grows up.

His cousin was released from the hospital Monday morning.

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