Teen who saved boy in Silver Lake honored as hero

Gauge Bryant, 13, performed a heroic rescue on July 9, 2025, saving an 11-year-old boy from drowning in Silver Lake. The boy fell off a dock and became trapped underwater for four to six minutes. After noticing the situation, Bryant dove into the murky water and discovered the unresponsive boy entangled in seaweed. Despite initial difficulties, Bryant managed to pull the boy to the surface after receiving goggles, which improved his visibility. Bystanders, including off-duty nurses, administered CPR until the Everett Fire Department arrived.

The boy later recovered and was transferred out of the ICU. Bryant received the Citizen Life-Saving Award from Fire Chief Dave DeMarco during a city council meeting, emphasizing the significance of community action in emergencies. This incident raises awareness about water safety and the need for lifeguards at local swimming areas.