Gauge Bryant, a 13-year-old from Everett, Washington, was at the lake when he heard a mom screaming for help. The mom told Gauge that her son fell off the dock and couldn't swim, so without pausing to think, Gauge jumped into the water and began searching for the boy.
After several attempts to locate the child, he found him tangled up in some seaweed about 10 feet beneath a dock.
Gauge told KIRO 7 News,
I pushed him up above me and I grabbed him and climbed on the dock as quick as I could and started doing chest compressions before other people started running over.
Witnesses say the boy, an unidentified 11-year-old, had been under water between 4-6 minutes and his lips were blue by the time Gauge got him out. It was only after the teen rescued him and began chest compressions that other bystanders came over to take over performing CPR.
The Everett Fire Department reported that the young boy is recovering thanks to the quick action of Gauge. They released a statement saying,
The Everett Fire Department recognizes the courageous actions of the 13-year-old teen for his bravery, which undoubtedly played a vital role in saving the child's life.
The quick actions of bystanders also played a crucial role in saving the child's life. This incident underscores the importance of having CPR training, as it can make a significant difference in critical situations and help ensure the safety of our community, especially around water.
Gauge says that he does not know who the boy was, but would like to have the chance to meet him once he recovers.
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