Family of three-year-old boy who nearly drowned in Cotswold lake speaks out about shocking ordeal

Zach Joyner was found face down in a lake in Somerford Keynes in June.

Luckily, he was saved from almost certain death by his family and the crew at the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC).

Mum Nicki and dad Tim Joyner were enjoying an idyllic holiday at Lower Mill Estate with two young sons and other family members, when they realised that Zach had gone missing.

Nicki said: "The family raised the alarm and began looking for him. Sadly my mum found him lying face down in the lake next to our holiday home.”

Zach had managed to push the paddle board from the bank into the water, and had fallen off without anyone seeing him.

(Three-year-old Zach Joyner)

Thanks to fast work from the family, and their knowledge of CPR, they along with the ambulance crew were able to resuscitate Zach. Nicki continued: “My husband Tim and bother in law Tom pulled him out of the water and began CPR straight away.

"They alternated with my dad Geoff and sister Kate, and managed to get some shallow breaths from Zach after about 15 minutes.

“It was a hugely traumatic experience for us all as a family and one we will never forget.

"It’s every parent’s worst nightmare to see your child lifeless, and not a situation you ever expect to be in."

The toddler was admitted to Bristol Children’s Hospital in a critical condition but has now made a full recovery.

Recently, Zach has paid the air ambulance charity a visit to thank the team for saving his life. During his visit, he brought along his teddy, Dr Andy, named after one of the critical care team members.

(Zach Joyner, Dr Andy Lockyer and Zach’s teddy Dr Andy)

The GWAAC team on the day were Dr Matt Campbell, Dr Andy Lockyer, paramedic Neil Hooper and pilot Captain Jim Green.

Dr Andy Lockyer explained: “As a critical care team of paramedics and doctors, we were able to administer a general anaesthetic at the scene, and keep Zach sedated and ventilated for the flight to the Bristol Children’s Hospital.

"We were able to stabilise him and allow his brain and lungs to start recovering immediately.

“It was a great privilege to meet Zach’s family again, both at the hospital a few days later and when they visited us at the air base.

"The actions of Zach’s relatives helped save his life that day, and they have shown a remarkable and impressively positive attitude in continuing their collective recovery from this traumatic event."

(Tim Joyner, Toby Joyner, Nicki Joyner, Zach Joyner, Dr Andy Lockyer)

Mother Nicki added her thanks to the air ambulance crew: "We are eternally grateful to Andy and the team from the bottom of our hearts, for all they did that day to save our precious boy.

"We never thought we would need to watch our son fly off in an air ambulance.

"I can’t stress enough what a hugely vital service GWAAC provide, and urge people to give generously to such a worthwhile cause. It has allowed Zach to go on to lead a full life with his older brother Toby.”

To find out more about the air ambulance charity, visit: www.gwaac.com