Lifeguards Save Child from Drowning at Silver Beach, Florida

Another life was saved as strong ocean waves and tides challenged beachgoers this summer. On July 30, lifeguards at Silver Beach in Volusia County, Florida, performed a dramatic rescue. Their quick actions saved a young boy’s life.

Dempsey Manhart, a lifeguard about to take his lunch break, responded when a family frantically flagged him down. The child was unconscious in a family member’s arms. Manhart helped bring the boy ashore, joined by co-lifeguard, Mackenzie Malone, who checked the boy’s pulse.

The lifeguards immediately began CPR on the child.

Malone, in her fourth summer as a lifeguard, told FOX 35 this was her first experience saving a child from drowning. She emphasized the importance of being prepared for any scenario, noting that her lifeguard training was crucial in the rescue.

As Malone recalled the seriousness of the situation, she described the urgency she felt when her co-lifeguard announced the need for a rescue. She responded quickly upon seeing the child’s condition.

The lifeguards’ efforts led to the boy breathing independently soon after the CPR began. Malone expressed gratitude for her training and the successful outcome.

Volusia County is located about 50 miles northeast of Orlando in the east-central part of Florida.

Beach Safety Reminder

The lifeguards hope this incident reminds beachgoers to stay near staffed lifeguard towers. Trained responders can act quickly when emergencies arise.

This rescue occurred shortly after another significant rescue by a 16-year-old lifeguard, Ryder Williams, in Santa Cruz, California. Williams saved a 10-year-old boy from dangerous surf and waves.

Lifeguards perform thousands of ocean rescues each season, particularly during hazardous conditions.

The National Weather Service advises swimmers caught in rip currents to remain calm. They should not fight the current but swim parallel to the shoreline before returning to shore. Those unable to escape should float and signal for help.

Visitors are encouraged to consult lifeguards about ocean conditions before entering the water. Lifeguards continue to stress the importance of checking beach conditions.