Tilly Smith (born 1994) is a British woman who, as a child, was credited with saving the lives of approximately 100 beachgoers at Mai Khao Beach in Thailand by warning them minutes before the arrival of the tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake.
[6][7][8] Specifically, Smith recalled watching black-and-white footage in class of the tsunami resulting from the 1946 Aleutian Islands earthquake and being taught by Kearney for the warning signs to look out for, especially the frothing nature of the sea.
[9] While she and her family were walking on Mai Khao Beach, she recognised the signs of a tsunami she had been taught, and she alerted her parents.
"[10] Initially, not seeing any obvious sign of a large wave on the horizon, her parents didn't believe her assertion that a tsunami was coming, but Smith persisted, recalling in an interview that she said curtly: "I'm going.
[1][17] Smith's story is incorporated into many teaching resources for children about earthquakes, tsunamis and how to stay safe.