KIMBERLEY, B.C. – Police say two Alberta brothers became heroes this weekend after rescuing a five-year-old boy from an vehicle that crashed into a B.C. lake.

Kimberley RCMP Cpl. Chris Newel says the child was submerged under about two metres of water in Whiteswan Lake in southeast B.C. for between five to 15 minutes.

The boy’s mother was reportedly driving the vehicle along a forest service road when she lost control and the vehicle plunged into the lake.

He says the mother and the boy’s 16-year-old sister were able to escape and swim to safety, but the five-year-old was trapped in his car seat.

Newel says that if the two brothers hadn’t seen the crash and swam to the boy’s aid, freeing him after several attempts, the outcome likely would have been tragic.

Police say the boy was rushed to hospital, where he is reportedly doing very well.