5th-Grader Rescues Man Drowning In Eagan Pool

EAGAN, MN — A 34-year-old is alive and well thanks to the heroic actions of a fifth-grader and his swimming skills. Advaik Nandikotkur dove into the pool at an Eagan apartment building Sunday night to save a man downing in the deep end.

Nandikotkur and his family, who live at the Town Centre apartments, were hanging out when a body was spotted on the pool floor. It was Srinivasa Yalavarthi, who was in from Chicago visiting relatives.

Nandikotkur, who weighs just 70 pounds, was the only one in the area who knew how to swim.

"Mom told me to jump in and I said he was probably too heavy, but I jumped in anyway," the boy told FOX 9.

Amazingly, the 11-year-old managed to pull the unconscious man up to the edge of the pool. That's when Nandikotkur's uncle was able to resuscitate Yalavarthi despite having no training.

Yalavanthi was treated at a local hospital and later released. While he hasn't spoken publicly, the man did thank the boy for saving his life. "He said he loves me," Nandikotkur told FOX 9.

Nandikotkur and his family are immigrates from India. He learned how to swim at Eagan-based Aqua-Tots.

"It’s pretty amazing the kid was able to respond and save the man," Aaron Machtemes, a spokesperson for the Eagan Police Department, told the Star Tribune.

Nandikotkur and his uncle have been nominated for the police department's "Life Saving Award."

Photo by Renee Schiavone/Patch