Gulf student helped save a life

GULF HIGH SCHOOL, April 1, 2008.—Gulf High senior and NJROTC cadet Kenneth Booth was honored at school today for apparently helping to save a life at Clearwater Beach on Sunday.

A 19-year-old man dived headfirst off Pier 60 into shallow water, not realizing the tide had gone out. He was knocked unconscious and nearly drowned.

According to the account in the St. Petersburg Times, “Gulf High School senior Kenneth Booth, 18, of New Port Richey, was walking on the beach and saw Dwyer floating in the water. People on the pier were shouting that Dwyer needed help, so Booth helped pull him to shore and used his Coast Guard auxiliary training to start CPR. Witnesses said a nurse, doctor and a police officer—all off duty—also helped until paramedics arrived. After CPR Dwyer began breathing on his own, officials said, but he remained unconscious and was flown to Bayfront.”

Kenneth is the son of Debbie Kelley of New Port Richey.

Mr. Imerson spoke about Kenneth's act of heroism during the morning announcements and presented him with a Character First pin later in the day. He has presented the pins to several students in recent years.