Two Junior Lifeguards Awarded for Stellar Actions

Two youngsters from the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Program were the center of attention for a portion of Tuesday evening's Newport Beach City Council meeting.

Newport Beach Assistant Fire Chief Rob Williams presented Stephen McMillen, 9, the 2011 Junior Lifeguard of the Year Award and Alex Davis, 11, the Heroic Act Award.

Alex's award is the result of an incident that happened on Aug. 16. 2011. He was at the beach with his mom when he saw a 6-year-old boy trying to skim board be struck by large backwash and fall in the shore break. At the time of the incident, the surf was breaking approximately six feet during a strong south swell. Alex quickly responded.

"Alex wrapped his arms arounds his chest and took him under the incoming waves and assisted him to shallow water and safety," Williams said. "For his timely lifesaving actions and for putting his life in jeopardy to save another life he is the recipient of the Heroic Act Award."

McMillen - a member of the program's youngest division - was awarded the Junior Lifeguard of the Year Award for exemplifing the three core values of the program which is respecting yourself and others, being responsibile and being a good representative of the program. He also encourages his peers to do the same and has exhibited extraordinary sportsmanship at recent competitions.

"On the first day of competition, after completing the event amongst the top finishers, Stephen returned to the finish line where he rallied his entire division to cheer for competitors that had not finished," Williams said.

At the Gray Lunde Iron Man, one of the programs most vigorous competitions, Stephen had the chance to challenge the top finishers in his division, but instead he chose to run with another competitor who was nervous and not sure he could finish the event.

"The two boys crossed the finish line together," Williams said.