Boy Scout uses skills learned in a water rescue class to save mom's life

When Myles Harris saw that his mother was in distress, he kept calm — and his quick action saved her life.

Harris, 14, and his parents went to Maui in July, not long after the Boy Scout from Oceanside, California, had taken a class in water safety and lifesaving techniques. He not only learned how to save a person who is drowning, but also how to avoid being pulled under by someone panicking.

Harris' mother, Karmen, decided at the last minute to join her family on a snorkeling expedition during their vacation, and when water got into her gear and she was unable to clear it, she blacked out. Myles saw she was face down in the water, and he quickly yelled for help, flipped her over, and pulled her onto the boat. By that time, she was in cardiac arrest, and a defibrillator was used to restart her heart.

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"I think it's really cool that I took that class," the high school freshman told The San Diego Union-Tribune. "You never know how you're going to react in a situation like that. I'm glad I was prepared and that everything turned out." Last week, the Buena Creek District surprised him with a Medal of Merit, a rare honor from the Boy Scouts of America for someone as young as Myles. "I'm really proud of my son," his mother said, adding that she was grateful to the Scouts for offering lifesaving training.