Boy Scout Honored for Saving Drowning Victim

Submitted by Valley View School District 365U

Photo: With Scouting’s Distinguished Citizen Awards Master of Ceremonies Brian Parro and presenter Ilish Radulovic looking on, Bolingbrook High School freshman-to-be Caleb Erickson proudly displays the Medal of Merit award he received for saving a drowning victim last year. Parro, a graduate of BHS, is an Eagle Scout and Central Region Venturing President.

A Bolingbrook High School freshman was honored June 17 by the Rainbow Council, Boy Scouts of America, for his heroics when he saved a drowning victim in a hotel pool June 24, 2014.

First Class Scout Caleb Erickson received the Scouting Medal of Merit at the Council’s annual Distinguished Citizen Award dinner at Lewis University. The Merit Medal honors Scouts who have performed an act of meritorious service above and beyond what is normally expected of a youth or adult member of the Boy Scouts of America.

According to Rainbow Council District Executive Daniel Stromberg, “the act should demonstrate exceptional character that reflects an uncommon degree of concern for the well-being of others. The action does not necessarily need to involve rescue or saving life, but must demonstrate some aspect of Scouting ideals or skills.”

Caleb was on a family vacation and was in the shallow end of a hotel pool when his grandmother noticed a boy struggling in the deep end. Caleb sprang into action, swam to the victim and, using the skills he learned in Scouting, not only broke free of a death grip the boy had on his arm but also maneuvered himself to bring the victim to the pool edge using a dual underarm carry.

Once out of the pool, the former Humphrey Middle School honor student and band member calmed the victim, encouraging him to keep coughing to clear water from his airway. Fortunately, after a few minutes the boy recovered.

“Scouting isn’t just badges and camping,” award presenter Ilish Radulovic said. “It is so much more.”