Two 9-year-old twin sisters from Michigan saved a 4-year-old girl from drowning after spotting her motionless at the bottom of a pool, an act of bravery that not only rescued a life but earned them heartfelt praise and official honors — leaving their community both shaken by the danger and inspired by their courage.

On what should have been a carefree summer afternoon filled with splashes and laughter, two young sisters from Michigan found themselves in the center of a life-or-death emergency — and rose to the occasion like seasoned heroes.

Ava and Addison Apostolopoulos, identical 9-year-old twins from the Detroit area, are now being celebrated for their extraordinary bravery after rescuing a 4-year-old girl from the bottom of a swimming pool in late June.

The dramatic incident unfolded at their grandmother’s apartment complex near Wixom, a city roughly 30 miles northwest of Detroit.

Ava and Addison had just arrived for a visit and were excited to jump into the pool, a familiar place where they often played during warm weekends.

“We were gonna swim in the pool, jump in the pool and have fun,” Ava later recalled in an interview, still in the bubbly tone of a child just starting to grasp the weight of what happened. But as soon as they entered the water, their excitement turned to alarm.

Ava was the first to notice a small body lying still beneath the shimmering blue surface. “She wasn’t moving,” Ava said softly. The image of the unresponsive girl froze them for a moment — but only a moment.

Without hesitation, the girls sprang into action, instinctively splitting their roles: one dashed for goggles to get a clearer look underwater, while the other plunged down toward the bottom of the pool.

Together, they managed to pull the lifeless 4-year-old to the surface. Their voices shook but stayed focused as they alerted nearby adults.

A pool maintenance worker, Cody Boyette, rushed over and immediately began administering CPR. Their grandmother, who had been nearby, dialed 911.

Paramedics soon arrived, and thanks to the fast response of the twins and Boyette, the young girl survived. She was transported to a local hospital and has since made a full recovery.

Her identity has not been publicly disclosed, but those involved say the girl and her family are doing well — and eternally grateful.

For Ava and Addison, the moment was instinctive, not planned. But to their community, their act was nothing short of astonishing.

On July 30, the Wixom Police Department held a special ceremony to honor the twins and Boyette, presenting them with the Civilian Citation Award, a rare commendation reserved for civilians who exhibit courage and presence of mind during a crisis.

“I have no doubt in my mind that these three people saved a young child’s life,” declared Wixom Chief of Police Phil Langmeyer during the heartfelt ceremony.

The twins’ father, Jason Apostolopoulos, stood nearby with emotion in his voice. “We’re just all about helping,” he explained.

“We’re aware of our surroundings and taught them the same thing: if you see something, do something.” His parenting philosophy, rooted in responsibility and awareness, clearly had a profound impact on his daughters.

Though still young, Ava and Addison are already becoming role models in their community.

Their story has inspired not only local families but also sparked wider conversations about the importance of teaching children water safety, emergency awareness, and the value of stepping up when it matters most.

Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death among children, and quick action — especially from someone nearby — can make all the difference.

Yet, in the most touching part of the story, the girls themselves seem less focused on the praise and more on the person they saved. “I am very happy she’s alive now,” Ava said with a shy smile, “and I hope she’s having a good time. And I’m happy.”

The pool now holds a different meaning for these two sisters. It’s no longer just a place for cannonballs and floaties — it’s a place where they were tested, and where they proved that courage doesn’t have to come with age.

At just 9 years old, Ava and Addison showed that heroism often begins in the heart — and sometimes, in the split-second decision to dive into the deep end when someone else is drowning.