We are immensely proud to share the story of one of our own, Zachary Kewley, whose quick thinking and bravery saved a young child’s life while on holiday in Mexico earlier this year.
During a family trip to Playa del Carmen, Zach, aged 13, was enjoying time in the pool when he noticed something unusual—a small hat floating past him. Acting on instinct, Zach looked closer and saw a toddler lying face down at the bottom of the pool. Without hesitation, he dived down, lifted her to the surface, and called for help. Thanks to his swift actions, the little girl, three-year-old Ellie from Canada, was revived and made a full recovery.
Zach’s courage didn’t go unnoticed. He was recently honoured with the Children of Courage Award at The Guide Liverpool Heroes Awards 2025, where his selflessness and composure were celebrated by the wider community.
Our headteacher, Mr Mike Cloherty, summed it up perfectly:
“Zachary’s actions speak volumes about the kind of person he is and how he constantly displays the values we hold most important at South Wirral High School – kindness, respect, independence, ambition, and determination. He is an inspiration to us all, and we are delighted to see him recognised as a ‘Child of Courage’ at The Guide Liverpool Heroes 2025.”
This remarkable act shows how Zach embodies everything we strive for at our school:
- Kindness – putting others before himself in a moment of crisis.
- Respect – valuing life and acting responsibly.
- Independence – thinking and acting decisively without waiting for instruction.
- Ambition – striving to make a difference, even in unexpected circumstances.
- Determination – refusing to give up until help arrived and the child was safe.
Zach’s story reminds us that true character shines brightest in moments of challenge. We are incredibly proud of him and hope his example inspires all our students to live out these values every day.
