Lifeguard pulls boy from pool

By Melissa White

Many times people do amazing things that go unnoticed - perhaps we expect someone to come to our aid, or maybe we're just relieved the ordeal is over and forget. I saw an act of bravery in July that will not soon be forgotten.

An eleven-year-old boy went under in a swimming pool. Quickly, the lifeguard, Megan, jumped in to get him and, just as swiftly, Renee LaDucca, went to her aid. It was because of Renee's quick action and knowledge that the boy was saved. (It would have been easy to sit back and let someone else take over.) Renee didn't panic - she gave him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, got the water out of him and kept calling his name.

The incident was terrifying - to see the boy's small, limp body lying on the deck, wondering if he'd live.

We all learned a lot that day - we learned to respect the water and that immediate action must be taken. Things can happen so quickly, but, with Megan and Renee's rapid reaction, a life was spared.

Renee did a wonderful and heroic thing that day. She saved a child's life. She'd probably say, "Anybody would have done it," but not everybody can react that quickly, and not everyone knows the proper procedures. I'm sure Megan is glad Renee was there to help. I know we are.

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