By Yuka Noda
Staff Writer
Throughout the world, countless people are recognized for their accomplishments. Regardless of whether it may be inventing a new type of technology or saving human lives, like senior Aj Wilson, the accomplishment can be promising.
This was the case for Wilson. He was at the beach with his father, Jeff Wilson, earlier this spring when he saw a man being swept out to sea in Hermosa Beach on Second Street. Without hesitation, Wilson swam out to save him as the on-duty lifeguards were performing a rescue at the time and were not at the scene.
“The whole time during the rescue, I didn’t think,” Wilson said. “I just kind of did [the rescue], but I felt determined.”
Wilson dove into the ocean without any form of lifeguard equipment. He calmed the drowning man and provided him with instructions, enabling him to pull the man back onto the shore.
“I was afraid, but I did not hesitate in guiding him to save [the man being pulled out to sea] because of Aj’s training and strength,” Jeff Wilson said.
For performing this rescue, Wilson received a Distinguished Service Award at the Los Angeles Medal of Valor dinner in Redondo Beach on Aug. 1. The Medal of Valor Committtee selected Wilson for his civil duty of saving the drowning man.
“I think it was entirely appropriate,” Director of Youth Service of the L.A. County Fire Department Daniel Murphy said. “As far as I know, he is the youngest person to win the award. It most definitely was a well-deserved recognition.”
The Medal of Valor dinner and committee was first created in 1987 by the United States Lifesaving Association Board of Directors to award public safety officers who have voluntarily risked their lives for the benefit of others. The Distinguished Service Award is given to people who have exceeded in community service.
Wilson has been a part of the Junior Lifeguard program for eight years. During his sophomore year, Wilson became a cadet. According to the Junior Lifeguard program, the cadet program grooms the current junior lifeguard to become a certified lifeguard in the future.
A cadet is responsible for leading younger junior lifeguards in their training. The cadets must learn lifeguard operations in addition to their regular junior lifeguard training.
“Being a cadet means that the instructors respect you more, and you lead junior lifeguards the way that you want to,” Wilson said.
In addition to the amount of time he dedicates to the Junior Lifeguard program, Wilson is a member of Costa’s varsity water polo team.
“Waterpolo and Junior Lifeguards has given me the athletic ability and the inspiration to become a lifeguard in the future,” Wilson said. “On top of that, the praise from my waterpolo coachhas continued to motivate me.”
Wilson will be taking a test to become a certified lifeguard. He is confident that he will pass the test after several years of practice and training. In the future, he hopes to become a full-time lifeguard.
“[This experience] has definitely helped to shape my future,” Wilson said. “I feel more confident, not just at the beach, but also in making important decisions.”
With his heart set on becoming a certified lifeguard, Wilson continues to keep up with his school work and particpate on his school sport team.
“I think everybody at Costa should share with his accomplishment,” Jeff Wilson said. “Anybody would have tried to do something in that situation, or at least that’s what Aj thinks.”
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