Seventeen-year-old Neil Johnson was working as a lifeguard for a little over a month when he tapped into his American Red Cross training to save a child’s life.

It happened on July 9, 2024. A 12-year-old boy slipped underwater in the deep end of a pool at St. Regis Apartments in Philadelphia. The child began to swallow water as he sank to the bottom.

As the lifeguard on duty, Neil sprang into action. Still wearing his glasses and Crocs, he jumped into the pool to rescue the child. Neil pulled him out and provided CPR with chest compressions and breaths before turning the child onto his side. Soon, the boy coughed up water and began to breathe.

EMTs transported the child to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, where he spent the night.

Neil says he doesn’t remember much after he saw the boy go underwater. His training took over and he performed the rescue. The significance of his actions didn’t hit him until later, and he’s reluctant to tout his own accomplishments.

His mom Eileen Johnson and school advisor Toni Vahlsing have no such issue. They nominated Neil for an American Red Cross Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders.

“I couldn’t be prouder of him,” Eileen said.

On the day of the incident, Eileen was working nearby when she got the call about an emergency at the pool. She rushed to the apartment complex and learned about her son’s heroic efforts.

“Neil makes a perfect lifeguard. He’s a rule follower,” she said. “He’s not messing around on his phone. He keeps his eyes on the pool the entire time.”

Toni, who has been Neil’s advisor at Abington Friends School for the past four years, beamed with pride at the award presentation. “It’s so special. I’m just so proud, so happy for him,” she said.

Northeast Division Vice President Kobe Langley presented Neil with his certificate and pin on Dec. 18th at the Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region headquarters in Philadelphia.

“Neil, thanks to your quick action and training, the child survived and has fully recovered,” he said. “It’s my honor to present you with this Red Cross Lifesaving Award for First Responders.”

Lifesaving Awards program

The Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders is awarded to Red Cross-trained first responders and healthcare professionals acting while on duty. It is one of four awards given as part of the Red Cross Lifesaving Awards program. To nominate and recognize a person or group who has taken action to save or sustain a life, visit LifesavingAwards.org.