A pair of 9-year-old twins were honored after rescuing a 4-year-old girl from a drowning incident. Twins Ava and Addison Apostolopoulos were swimming at their grandmother’s apartment complex outside Detroit when they saw the child at the bottom of the pool, unresponsive. “We were gonna swim in the pool, jump in the pool and have fun,” Ava told ABC 7, recalling the day. “Saw a girl at the bottom of the pool not moving.” Addison rushed to get goggles to see under the water while Ava dove into the water to pull the young child to the surface

After bringing the girl up from the bottom of the pool, pool worker Cody Boyette pulled her out and began rescue-breathing while the girls’ grandmother called 911. Thankfully, Boyette was able to get the child breathing again. She was then rushed to the hospital and is reported to have survived the traumatic incident.

The Wixom Police Department later honored the girls and Boyette for their swift action in saving the girl by awarding them with a Civilian Citation Award on July 22. “Without the quick observations and actions of these three individuals it is believed that the child would have perished,” the police department noted, with images of the three holding up their awards.

The girls’ father, Jason Apostolopoulos, said it is just who his girls are. “We’re just all about helping, we’re aware of our surroundings and taught them the same thing, if you see something, do something. The city of Wixom really honored them, and that was wonderful, and they were really proud of that. It’s really been a wonderful thing for them and our family,” he said. The girls shared that they were “proud” that the little girl was saved. “I am very happy she’s alive now, and I hope she’s having a good time. And I’m happy,” said Ava. Addison said they “were in the right situation.” The identity of the young girl involved has not been revealed and it is unclear how she wound up in the pool. The situation, however, is a good reminder of the importance of water safety for young children and teaching kids like Ava and Addison how to respond should an emergency ever occur.