Georgia Lifeguard Honored After Saving Young Boy from Drowning at Water Park

A Georgia lifeguard is being praised for his quick actions after rescuing a young boy who nearly drowned at a crowded water park.

The incident happened June 13 at Splashville Water Park in Bartow County, where head lifeguard Benjamin Key noticed a child under the age of 5 submerged just beneath the surface of the main pool. Although he wasn't assigned to a lifeguard station at the time, Key said years of training prompted him to immediately respond.

Rather than jumping into the water, Key carefully slid into the pool to avoid creating waves that could have pushed the child farther underwater. He quickly pulled the boy to the pool's edge.

The child was unresponsive, not breathing and had turned blue. After positioning the child, Key said the boy began coughing up water and crying, clear signs that he had started breathing again.

Water safety experts say drownings often happen silently and within seconds, making constant supervision critical. They recommend keeping young children within arm's reach around water and using properly fitted life jackets instead of inflatable arm floaties.

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, 29 drowning deaths have been reported statewide so far in 2026.

Officials say the child, who had wandered away from his grandmother while at the park, has recovered. Benjamin Key and another lifeguard have since been honored by Bartow County for their lifesaving actions.

CNN Newsource contributed to this report.

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