‘Courageous’ teen dives into Silver Lake to rescue 11-year-old

Published 10:09 am Wednesday, July 9, 2025

EVERETT — Authorities lauded a teenager for his bravery after he dove into Silver Lake on Tuesday to rescue a boy who had fallen into the water.

Gauge Bryant, 13, did not know the 11-year-old he pulled out of the water, he said Wednesday. But he was glad he was able to help.

Around 3 p.m. Tuesday, the Everett Fire Department responded to a report of a child that had fallen off a dock into the south Everett lake. After people on the dock called for help, Gauge dove into the water to search for the missing child, fire officials wrote.

Gauge said he had to dive under the water multiple times to retrieve the boy. It was difficult to see the 11-year-old because he didn’t have goggles and the water was murky, he said. A fellow swimmer lent him goggles to help.

Gauge, who lives in Sedro-Woolley, wrapped his arm around the boy’s chest and brought him to the surface, he said, where bystanders were able to lift him onto the dock. Nurses and community members performed CPR on the 11-year-old, who had been underwater between four to six minutes, fire officials wrote.

“I’m happy he’s able to keep his life,” Gauge said Wednesday. “They say if I waited another 20 seconds, he wouldn’t have made it.”

The 11-year-old was transported to Providence Regional Medical Center Everett for treatment. As of Wednesday afternoon, he was in stable but critical condition, according to the fire department.

“The Everett Fire Department recognizes the courageous actions of the 13-year-old teen for his bravery, which undoubtedly played a vital role in saving the child’s life,” the department wrote in a release. “The quick actions of bystanders also played a crucial role in saving the child’s life. This incident underscores the importance of having CPR training, as it can make a significant difference in critical situations and help ensure the safety of our community, especially around water.”

Gauge said the area near the dock where the near-drowning occurred is unexpectedly deep.

To stay safe while swimming, always watch children when they are in or near water, the fire department wrote. Designate an adult to supervise children in the water, teach children how to swim and use life jackets, never allow anyone to swim alone, don’t drop kids off at the beach unsupervised, and learn first aid and CPR, the department wrote.

Will Geschke: 425-339-3443; william.geschke@heraldnet.com; X: @willgeschke.