SALISBURY, N.C. -- Abbey Thompson considers her neighbor Trooper Jack Dixon one of her best friends.

Dixon saved the 5-year-old’s life last Sunday when she nearly drowned in the Grace Ridge Community Pool in Salisbury.

Dean Thompson said he turned his back for just a second to get Abbey's floaties, when he looked back and didn’t see her. Thompson jumped in and pulled his daughter out, but things didn’t look good.

“When I got her out, her lips were blue and her eyes were rolled back. It was terrible to see your baby like that,” he said.

That’s when Thompson called for his neighbor Trooper Dixon to help. Dixon performed CPR on the child.

Abbey spent three days in the hospital. She’s now back home doing well. “I am happy he saved my life,” Abbey said.

Thompson said he’s grateful, and is urging parents to make water safety a part of their plans.