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Lifeguards save young boy, 5 years old, as he’s pulled unconscious from ocean
Two lifeguards in Volusia County, Florida, are being praised for rescuing a five-year-old boy who was pulled unconscious from the ocean, in the latest of a string of dangerous water incidents affecting beachgoers this summer. The rescue highlights the ongoing risks posed by strong waves and powerful tides at popular US beaches, which have led to a surge in emergency rescues this season.
The incident took place at Silver Beach on 30 July, when lifeguard Dempsey Manhart was flagged down by the boy's family shortly before he was due to go on his lunch break. Manhart and a colleague acted quickly, and the boy was successfully revived. The rescue comes amid a summer in which nearly 2,000 ocean rescues have reportedly occurred as hazardous surf conditions hit popular beaches.
In short
- Florida lifeguards revived a 5-year-old boy pulled unconscious from the sea.
- Rescue occurred at Silver Beach, Volusia County, on 30 July.
- Part of a summer surge in dangerous ocean rescues nationwide.
Explained simply
Volusia County is on Florida’s Atlantic coast, where beaches draw swimmers and families. Ocean conditions can change quickly: breaking waves can knock people over, while currents can carry swimmers away from shore.
Lifeguards watch for people in trouble and can bring them out of the water and give emergency care. Their work matters because even confident swimmers can be caught out by surf and currents, and children may be especially vulnerable in the water.