Junior Lifeguard honored for heroism

A modest young hero was honored by the Laguna Beach City Council at its Sept. 3 meeting.

Junior Lifeguard Jameson Roller, 12, was commended for his rescue of a drowning swimmer on Aug. 2 at a summer camp in Maine.

“After completing his second year of Junior Lifeguards this summer, Jameson attended the summer camp where he used his skills as a junior lifeguard to make a rescue and actually save a life,” said Ryan Winfield, coordinator of the Laguna Beach program. “We are truly proud of you.”

The summer camp honored Roller’s courage and speedy response by appointing him assistant lifeguard at Lake Damariscotta in Maine.

Marine Safety Chief Kevin Snow read the proclamation, which described Roller’s quick action when he saw a distressed swimmer in the middle of the lake. Without hesitation, Roller grabbed a nearby rescue tube and jumped into the water. He wrapped the tube around the swimmer, keeping his head above water, and swam for shore.

Roller stood silently as Snow complimented his heroics.

“Jameson is a very, very humble guy,” Snow said. “We had a little chat outside (council chambers) and he is here for us to thank him. I don’t think it was the first thing he wanted to do this evening — so thank you.”