by Mike Matzinger
Twelve-year-old Nathan Patel of Scouts BSA Troop 14 in Sarasota, Florida, put his Scouting skills into action while on vacation in Thailand, saving two people from drowning in a resort pool. Scoutmaster Ed Wilson had taught Nathan’s troop about line rescues, and the Scouts took turns tossing out a ring buoy to pull another Scout from the river. Drawing on recent training in line rescues, Nathan quickly grabbed a ring buoy and threw it to the struggling couple, preventing both them and a would-be rescuer from being pulled under.
His quick thinking and calm response earned him the Medal of Merit, an award that recognizes acts of service above and beyond expectations. Nathan, inspired by his Eagle Scout brother and supported by his Scouting family, says the experience has deepened his appreciation for the skills he has learned and his excitement for continuing in Scouting.
Like Nathan, all alumni share this in common – we are prepared, for life.
https://www.yourobserver.com/news/2025/sep/24/local-boy-scout-rescues-couple/