Knox lifeguard saves young boy's life at post waterpark

By Eric PilgrimJuly 19, 2018

Fort Knox lifeguard rescues boy
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Fort Knox lifeguard rescues boy
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A lifeguard at the Fort Knox Water Park is being hailed by many as a hero for saving a five-year-old boy's life.

Bobby Jenkins, Fort Knox Aquatics director, said the boy was with a large group of youngsters playing at the Fort Knox Water Park July 12 when an alert patron found him drowning in the pool.

"He was not moving in the water, and [the man] brought him to the side of the pool where a lifeguard met him," Jenkins said. "They put him on the side of the pool; he wasn't breathing, he was unresponsive."

Jenna Doehring, a 17-year-old recent graduate of Fort Knox High School, said she was sitting in the lifeguard stand when she saw the boy's head hanging lifeless from the man's arms as he carried him to the side. She immediately blew her whistle and signaled to her older brother Luke to alert the other lifeguards. Luke was the lead lifeguard on duty.

After assessing the boy, Jenna began performing CPR while another lifeguard assisted her as someone called 911 and other lifeguards moved people out of the area.

"I'm not sure anyone saw the incident when it happened," said Jenna. "This is definitely not something to expect because this usually doesn't happen, but I just kind of got in my mode."

She said after two sets of breaths and compression, the boy regained consciousness.

"The little boy started spitting up water, regained consciousness and, once he got the water expelled, he was crying and alert," said Jenkins. "Within a few minutes, he was up on his feet."

Emergency medical technicians took over the situation once they arrived shortly after, according to Jenkins.

"Ultimately, they transported him to Hardin Memorial Hospital," said Jenkins. "That's the best precaution to make sure he's OK."

Jenkins said he is proud not only of Jenna's cool head during the stressful situation, but also of Luke's leadership and the other lifeguards for reacting quickly and professionally.

The lifeguards have had extensive training on lifesaving measures. Jenna said they regularly practice scenarios as part of ongoing training and certification. It proved beneficial.

"I was very prepared," she said.

Jenna said the experience has helped solidify her plans of possibly becoming a nurse. Her mom, Judy, is a nurse.

"I'll be doing a lot of this type of stuff if I end up doing that career. Now I know I definitely could be cut out for doing it," Jenna said.

Her mom Judy admitted to being a little partial, but said she is proud of all the lifeguards there: "We have a great lifeguard team at the water park."

Shortly after the incident, Facebook posts began to appear about the lifeguards' efforts. By Monday, word had returned that the boy made a full recovery and is doing well.

"I'm glad that he's OK. If it had turned out any other way, I'd be really upset," Jenna said. "A lot of people are saying wonderful things to me, but I'm just happy that I was able to help him out."