The American Red Cross has recognized Margarita Howes for helping to save the life of a man during a drowning emergency.  

Howes received the Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action for performing lifesaving CPR during a harrowing situation that unfolded on the Huron River in Ann Arbor in July 2023. Howes performed chest compressions for several minutes before EMS arrived. 

Her actions were credited with helping to save Jamaine Atkins II.  

“Learning CPR is important because you don't know when you're going to use it,” said Howes, who learned CPR as a Girl Scout and now works as a patient care technician in the cardiac care unit at a local hospital. “Having those skills could potentially save a life.” 

Howes received her award during a ceremony held before the board of directors of the Southeast Michigan Chapter of the Red Cross in Detroit. Atkins participated in the ceremony and expressed deep gratitude to Howes for her heroic actions.  

“Not only did she practice what she preached and take her craft so seriously that she actually implored it in saving my life,” he said. “But she also continues to promote it so that others may have their life saved by lifesaving services, such as CPR.” 

Spending time on the Huron River is one of Howes’ favorite pastimes in the summer. The scenic river is known for its kayaking, canoeing and other water activities.  

It was late in the afternoon on that Thursday in July when a quiet day on the river turned chaotic. Howes had been there since the morning as the clock edged toward 4 p.m. She thought about leaving when something told her to stay. 

“I like to take my dog with me sometimes because she likes to swim in the river,” Howes recalled. “It's something, you know, inside my gut. There's a gut feeling like, no, just leave her at home today. I'm glad that I did, because if I hadn't, I would have had to try and multitask a dog alongside this.” 

Howes turned toward the middle of the river and saw a kayaker holding Atkins’ limp body above the surface. With bystanders looking on, Howes took control of the situation and directed the kayaker to bring Atkins to the dock. She estimated Atkins had been underwater for about three minutes. 

Howes instructed someone to call 911 then began performing CPR chest compressions.  

The Red Cross National Lifesaving Awards program dates back to 1911 and recognizes those who, in an emergency, used their lifesaving skills or knowledge to save or sustain a life. The program consists of three awards: the Certificate of Merit, the Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders and the Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action. 

These awards and their recipients embody the spirit and mission of the Red Cross by taking action to alleviate human suffering in the face of an emergency. 

Since 2018, the Red Cross has honored more than 3,500 individuals worldwide. Their heroism has helped save more than 1,800 lives. 

The Red Cross has been creating courses and training people in first aid and CPR for more than 100 years. Red Cross training provides the skills and confidence to act in an emergency. For those interested in lifesaving courses, visit www.redcross.org/TakeAClass 

By Sydney Henry, regional communications manager