Life
Teen lifeguard tears up retelling the moment he saved a toddler
He'll remember that moment forever.
Patricia Lynn
11.24.21

Whether itโ€™s a lake, ocean, or a pool โ€” lifeguards have an extremely important job.

Michael Wood, a 16-year-old lifeguard, is being hailed as a hero for saving a toddler.

YouTube Screenshot-WTVR CBS 6
Source:
YouTube Screenshot-WTVR CBS 6
Advertisement

He was working at the Westwood Club when he noticed something not right. He looked hard at the bottom of the poolโ€™s shallow end.

There, he saw a young boy.

YouTube Screenshot-WTVR CBS 6
Source:
YouTube Screenshot-WTVR CBS 6

At first, he thought the child was just having a bit of fun. However, after assessing the situation, he realized that the boy wasnโ€™t playing any game. He was really struggling for his life.

Advertisement
YouTube Screenshot-WTVR CBS 6
Source:
YouTube Screenshot-WTVR CBS 6

In the interview, Michael shared:

โ€œI thought he was actually playing and holding his breath underwater.โ€

When he realized that something was wrong, he quickly took action.

Advertisement
YouTube Screenshot-WTVR CBS 6
Source:
YouTube Screenshot-WTVR CBS 6

He said:

โ€œI knew what I had to do โ€“ I jumped in, grabbed the kid out, and sure enough, he was completely passed out and he was not breathing.โ€

When Michael reached the boy, he was already โ€œpale blue-grayโ€ in color.

Advertisement

This was a clear sign that thereโ€™s not enough oxygen getting into the boyโ€™s lungs. After realizing that, Michael quickly performed CPR.

Michael felt a sense of relief when the boy showed signs of life.

YouTube Screenshot-WTVR CBS 6
Source:
YouTube Screenshot-WTVR CBS 6

He said:

โ€œHis cheeks turned bright red, and the color returned to his face.โ€

Advertisement

Right after seeing what happened, Michael started crying.

โ€œAnd I was like, Praise God for that! It was scary, but once he started crying, I just sat back and cried too, because I knew that he was fine.โ€

People whoโ€™ve seen what happened praised Michael.

Pixabay - PublicDomainPictures
Source:
Pixabay - PublicDomainPictures
Advertisement

However, he insisted that heโ€™s just doing his job. And even though he admits that being a lifeguard isnโ€™t the easiest workaround, he finds it rewarding.

Michael is the grandson of Mike Wade, the Henrico County Sheriff.

When he heard the news, he quickly called Michael. The teenager shared that he had saved a two-year-old.

As a grandfather, the sheriff was just so proud.

YouTube Screenshot-WTVR CBS 6
Source:
YouTube Screenshot-WTVR CBS 6
Advertisement

He shared:

โ€œ[The rescue] tells me a lot about him. I couldnโ€™t ask for a better grandson. Heโ€™s my favorite grandson. Of course, heโ€™s my only grandson.โ€

Henrico County police started investigating the incident.

However, they donโ€™t suspect neglect or any foul play. When they arrived, the toddler was doing well. In fact, he was already being chatty with them when they reached the scene. To make sure of the boyโ€™s safety, he was brought to a hospital where he got checked.

Itโ€™s not the first time Michael rescued someone in distress.

YouTube Screenshot-WTVR CBS 6
Source:
YouTube Screenshot-WTVR CBS 6
Advertisement

He was also able to save a young boy who nearly drowned after jumping into the deep end of the pool. This just proves that Michael really has the heart to become a lifeguard. Heโ€™s willing to do everything he can to save other peopleโ€™s lives.

Plus, he acts fast, too. He knows exactly what to do when someoneโ€™s drowning or struggling in the water. As a lifeguard, thatโ€™s a vital skill.

The entire interview with Michael can be watched in the video below.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Article Sources:
To learn more read our Editorial Standards.
Advertisement
Advertisement