"Don't think it can't happen to you" - that's the message from the family of a little girl who would have drowned if not for a good samaritan's rescue efforts.
He gave two-year-old Lily Cross CPR on the side of the Hawkesbury River, saving her life.
She was one of the lucky ones.
Lily is currently in a hospital bed, hooked up to life-saving machines.
"She was blue in the lips, lifeless, no signs of life - no heartbeat," her father, Michael Cross said.
On Friday, Lily went missing from her North Richmond home, where she was playing with her sister in the backyard.
After searching for 15 minutes, Lily's parents' biggest fear was realised.
The inquisitive toddler had entered the Hawkesbury River.
"Straight to the water, she loves swimming, she could stay in the bath for an hour," Mr Cross said.
"Basically I put her on her side, tried to clear her airways and what not and started CPR," he said.
Peter's heroics kept Lily alive, but doctors weren't confident she'd survive.
A week on and not only is she alive - she's smiling.
"Absolutely amazing, great result, just goes to show you can't give up," Peter said.
Drownings in lakes and rivers in New South Wales have risen by 64 per cent.
In the past year alone, 36 people have have lost their lives, compared with 22 the year before, making New South Wales rivers the most dangerous in Australia.
He gave two-year-old Lily Cross CPR on the side of the Hawkesbury River, saving her life.
She was one of the lucky ones.
PICTURED: Lily before the accident. Source: 7 News
"She was blue in the lips, lifeless, no signs of life - no heartbeat," her father, Michael Cross said.
On Friday, Lily went missing from her North Richmond home, where she was playing with her sister in the backyard.
After searching for 15 minutes, Lily's parents' biggest fear was realised.
Lily is recovering in hospital. Source: 7 News
Michael Cross has warned parents it can happen any time. Source: 7 News
"Straight to the water, she loves swimming, she could stay in the bath for an hour," Mr Cross said.
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"Basically I put her on her side, tried to clear her airways and what not and started CPR," he said.
There was a huge search for the missing toddler. Source: 7 News
A week on and not only is she alive - she's smiling.
Lily was rescued by Peter. Source: 7 News
Drownings in lakes and rivers in New South Wales have risen by 64 per cent.
In the past year alone, 36 people have have lost their lives, compared with 22 the year before, making New South Wales rivers the most dangerous in Australia.
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