The Tribune

A BOY from Florida has been given an award after he waded into the sea in Nassau and saved the life of another child.

Gavin Brooks, 11, was presented with a framed letter of recognition by Port Canaveral Police yesterday morning, according to the Florida Today news organisation.

When police Chief Joe Hellebrand and Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey walked into Gavin’s classroom he thought he was in trouble, reported journalist Stacey Barchenger.

He learned the officers were there to recognise his actions in January.

“We wanted to come in this morning to recognise someone who in our eyes is a true hero,” Ivey said, before asking the class who knew about the rescue.

None raised their hands, reported Ms Barchenger.

“He’s so humble,” said Ivey.

Gavin and his family, who live in Viera, took a five-day cruise to the Bahamas in January on the Carnival Ecstasy.

While on a beach in Nassau, Gavin saw another boy struggling in the water, in obvious distress.

The boy was reportedly at least 20 pounds, but Gavin, a surfer, used his strong swimming skills to rescue the child. After coughing up a large amount of seawater the child recovered.

The police chief praised Gavin’s selfless brave act, adding: “As a parent and grandparent I know how proud your family must be and how grateful the child’s family is for your courage.

“Your quick, decisive and determined actions are far beyond your years, and your heroic efforts are to be commended.”

Florida Today reported that Gavin said he would do it all over again.

His mum Ellen told Ms Barchenger: “He really, really thought nothing of it. He thought you know, it’s just something you do. You go out there and save someone and then you go back to surfing.”