On August 5, 1919, an eleven year old boy, Orville, was out in his rowboat and fell overboard. He shouted for help and was able to get the attention of bystanders on the beach which included his father and Keeper R. L. Westcott from the Kitty Hawk Coast Guard station. The two men hurried to secure another rowboat but by the time they reach Orville, he’d sunk below the surface. They were able to locate him just under the surface as his clothing had created an air pocket that prevented him from sinking further. Keeper Westcott immediately started the resuscitation drill and worked on trying to revive the boy for nearly an hour. A second member of the KHCGS crew arrived onsite and rotated positions with Keeper Westcott continuing to work young Orville. After an extended period of time, their efforts were successful and Orville was restored to life. A few days later, his grateful parents wrote a letter to the Superintendent of the Seventh Coast Guard District commending the resuscitation method used by the USCG calling it “as nearly perfect as can be.” They expressed what they felt was their inadequate thanks to both the Coast Guard and the crew of Station #172 concluding with the sentiment, “we’ll always feel that we owe the service an obligation that can not be paid.”
All in a Day’s Work
Sometimes it’s about having quick reflexes: On December 30, 1897, Keeper J.E. Ward from the Whales Head LifeSaving Station (formerly known as Jones Hill) found himself in a situation where quick reflexes prevented a tragic accident. While at a neighborhood event, a little boy fell off a landing into the water. Keeper Ward was nearby and was able to quickly reach the boy and lift him up out of the water.
For more stories like these, visit the Chicamacomico LifeSaving Station where history is alive.
