13-Year-Old Hero Saves Young Boy From Drowning At Silver Lake

July 17, 2025

A 13-year-old boy is being hailed as a hero after his quick thinking and courageous actions helped save the life of an 11-year-old who nearly drowned in Silver Lake at Thornton A. Sullivan Park in Everett, Washington.

Gauge Bryant / Komonews.com / Everett Fire Department

Gauge Bryant was at the lake with his aunt when a woman nearby mentioned she saw a child fall into the water and not come back up. Moments later, the boy’s frantic mother arrived, saying her son couldn’t swim. Without hesitation, Gauge sprang into action.

"I didn't know what to do, I just went with it, I just thought quick," he told Komo News. “I didn’t have time to process being scared… so I kept going.”

He dove under the dock and searched through murky water, making several attempts before spotting the boy cradled beneath it, surrounded by seaweed. Despite running out of air himself, Gauge managed to bring the child’s lifeless body to the surface and onto the dock.

Bryant began chest compressions until three nurses who happened to be nearby took over, performing CPR until Everett Fire Department personnel arrived. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, the boy’s pulse was restored, and he was rushed to the hospital.

The fire department later recognized Gauge's bravery during a visit to their station near the lake, presenting him with a commemorative coin and a department shirt. “Heroic for sure,” said public information officer Rachael, acknowledging his selfless act.

Although the boy was initially in critical condition, the Everett Fire Department has since shared an encouraging update: the child has been moved out of the ICU and is recovering well. They also praised the efforts of everyone involved, including bystanders and medical professionals, and asked for the family’s privacy as recovery continues.

Gauge says the experience was overwhelming but meaningful.

“It makes me sad, and then I start smiling because I was able to get him out, and I didn’t leave him there.” He added that he believes he was meant to be at the lake that day, arriving earlier than planned by what he calls fate.

“I started praying to myself,” he said. “Please God, please save this young man's life. I want him to have a life, live long, have a healthy life, and have a wife and children.”

Gauge now has two goals: to meet the boy he saved and give him a hug and handshake—and to become certified in CPR.

“I think he was meant to be there,” said his proud grandmother. “All this, because they were supposed to come later in the day. I’m so proud of him.”

Meet Gauge in the video below: