A HEARTBREAKING tragedy was averted thanks to the quickthinking actions of a mum who was able to save her son from drowning earlier this month.

Tina Schafroth had learned the lifesaving skills at an optional first aid course she took while pregnant.

Had she not attended the course, the story may have had a far more serious ending.

Now Tina is organising free paediatric first aid courses for the people of Malmesbury which she hopes will help save the lives of more children.

You never know when you might need these skills; Tina was out doing a job she had done many times before and had taken her eye of her son for just a couple of seconds – it was the last thing she was expecting to happen.

There is an argument for making first aid courses compulsory for expectant parents, available on the NHS.

Everyone with a child, and those who look after children, should look to attend one of Tina’s courses.