News in Easy English: 3 high school students save children in pond in Fukuoka Pref.

NAKAMA, Fukuoka -- In a heartwarming display of bravery, three high school students were honored on August 18 for rescuing three elementary school children who were drowning in a pond at a local park. The city of Nakama presented the students, Mahiro Osato, Keita Kinugawa, and Ryo Otsuyama, with certificates of appreciation.

The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on July 17 when the students, all members of the school's soccer club, were returning home from club activities. An old man approached them and urgently requested assistance, informing them that children were in danger of drowning in a pond at Habu Park.

Without hesitation, the students rushed to the pond. Mahiro Osato, who is skilled in swimming, dived into the water while wearing only his underwear and successfully pulled up the last child, who was floating face up. Keita Kinugawa noted that during the rescue, his thoughts became disoriented; however, he urged the nearby children to remain calm by shouting at them.

Osato also shared his experience, explaining that his feet slipped on moss, causing him to lose footing in deep water where he couldn't touch the bottom. He admitted to acting instinctively during the rescue.

The students' coach, Sho Yamaguchi, praised their teamwork during the ceremony. He highlighted how their usual commitment to helping people and their teammates shone through at a critical moment. Mayor Kenji Fukuda attended the event and commended the students, emphasizing that their actions demonstrated the qualities of good human beings.