For Eagle Scout David J., Scouting runs in the family. As a third-generation Eagle Scout, he grew up with the values of leadership, service, and preparedness deeply ingrained in him. His Eagle Scout project alone demonstrated his commitment to making a difference—he successfully raised $10,000 to support the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, funding equipment to help keep law enforcement officers safe.
However, it wasn’t just his fundraising efforts that would leave an impact. When an emergency struck, David’s Scouting training put him in the position to save lives.
A Critical Moment on the Water
While on vacation in South Carolina, David was enjoying a white-water tubing trip on the Saluda River with family and friends. The day had been filled with fun—until it suddenly took a serious turn.
As the group reached the end of the course, two people were missing. At first, David and the others assumed they had just fallen behind, but after waiting 30 minutes without any sign of them, he knew something was wrong. He immediately began asking other tubers if they had seen them and alerted lifeguards. But time was running out.
Angela, the missing pair’s daughter, was growing increasingly concerned. Together, she and David decided they needed to act.
With their life jackets secured, David and Angela hiked and swam upstream against the rapids for nearly a mile. That’s when they spotted Roger and Sharon, trapped in a dangerous whirlpool, unable to escape.
Sharon was above water, holding onto her tube, but Roger was trapped underneath his, physically exhausted and unable to swim. He had no strength left to fight against the current.
David knew there was no time to waste. Every lifesaving skill he had learned in Scouting kicked in. He and Angela worked quickly to stabilize Roger and Sharon, keeping their heads above water and guiding them back through the rapids. When they reached the end of the course, lifeguards and bystanders assisted in getting them safely to shore.
Because of his quick thinking and courageous actions, both Roger and Sharon survived.
Prepared for Life, Prepared to Lead
For his bravery that day, David was honored with the Lifesaving Award, one of the highest recognitions a Scout can receive. But in his eyes, the true credit goes to Scouting—the program that prepared him for this moment.
“Scouting prepares young people for moments like this. Teaching us to be leaders, problem-solvers, and yes, even lifesavers,” David said.
As a third-generation Eagle Scout, David carries on a proud family tradition of leadership and service. His story is a powerful reminder of the real-world impact of Scouting—shaping young people into capable, confident leaders who are ready to make a difference when it truly counts.