What started off as a fifth-grade graduation celebration at Oakleigh Forest Pool in June, quickly turned scary when attendees saw one of the students motionless at the bottom of the pool.
The five on-duty lifeguards swung into action and saved a girl’s life.
On Tuesday, the five — all Severna Park High School students — were recognized by the Anne Arundel County Fire Department for their bravery at an awards presentation at Oakleigh Forest Pool.
“The main thing is that everyone was ready, and everyone was prepared,” said Lawrence Schultz, assistant chief of the fire department. “Everyone did their part, and in the world of EMS [emergency medical services], and in the chain of survival, if everyone doesn’t do their part the outcomes can be fatal.”
The teenagers are Jonny Reneau, 15, Hayden Fox, 16, Josie Crockett, 17, Koby Bragg, 16, and Connor Hill, 15.
Jonny was the first to notice the drowning swimmer. He blew his whistle to clear the pool before jumping in. With the assistance of Koby and Hayden, they pulled the 11-year-old girl to safety. [cq comment=”added the age from Luke’s story on the near-drownin” ]
Realizing she wasn’t breathing Josie grabbed an automated external defibrillator while the others started chest compressions.
Before emergency personnel arrived, the lifeguards were able to resuscitate the victim, who authorities have not identified. 


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Left to right; Anne Arundel County Fire Department PIO, Captain Jennifer Macallair, lifeguards Hayden Fox, 16, Josie Crockett, 17, Koby Bragg, 16, Jonny Reneau, 15, and Anne Arundel County Assistant Fire Chief, Larry Shultz. Not pictured; lifeguard Connor Hill, 15…The teens were recognized by Anne Arundel County Fire Department officials on behalf of Chief Trisha Wolford at the Oakleigh Forest Pool on Tuesday, for saving the life of a 11 year-old at the pool during an 5th grade graduation party earlier in the summer. They are employed by Ace Aquatics attend Severna Park High School. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)





Larry Shultz, Anne Arundel County Assistant Fire Chief, right, formally thanks lifeguards; Jonny Reneau, 15, Hayden Fox, 16, Koby Bragg, 16, Josie Crockett, 17, and Connor Hill, 15, who was not in attendance. Standing at the pool with Letters of Appreciation and Fire Chief Coins from Anne Arundel County Fire Chief Trisha Wolford are, left to right; Firefighter Dan McGowan, Figherfighter Zach DeVenio, Firefighter Shane Cantrell, Lt. Chris Slavin, and Lt. David Carrier. ..The teens were recognized by Anne Arundel County Fire Department officials on behalf of Chief Trisha Wolford at the Oakleigh Forest Pool on Tuesday, for saving the life of a 11 year-old at the pool during an 5th grade graduation party earlier in the summer. They are employed by Ace Aquatics attend Severna Park High School. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)





Larry Shultz, Anne Arundel County Assistant Fire Chief, left, formally thanks lifeguards; Jonny Reneau, 15, Koby Bragg, 16, Josie Crockett, 17, and Hayden Fox 16. Not in attendance, Connor Hill, 15. ..The teens were recognized by Anne Arundel County Fire Department officials on behalf of Chief Trisha Wolford at the Oakleigh Forest Pool on Tuesday, for saving the life of a 11 year-old at the pool during a 5th grade graduation party earlier in the summer. They are employed by Ace Aquatics attend Severna Park High School. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)





Lt. David Carrier, congratulates lifeguard Jonny Reneau, 15, with a Letter of Appreciation and a Fire Chief Coin from Anne Arundel County Fire Chief Trisha Wolford…The teens were recognized by Anne Arundel County Fire Department officials on behalf of Chief Trisha Wolford at the Oakleigh Forest Pool on Tuesday, for saving the life of a 11 year-old at the pool during a 5th grade graduation party earlier in the summer. They are employed by Ace Aquatics attend Severna Park High School. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)




Jonny, a 6-foot 4-inch sophomore who completed his lifeguard training weeks before the accident, said he didn’t have much time to think before he jumped into action but trusted his coworkers and training.
“Honestly I was scared, but the moment helped me understand how much I need to pay attention during my shifts because things happen quickly,” he said.
Hayden, who is in his second year as a lifeguard, said he’s gained confidence that he can handle other problems but hopes he won’t have to.
“They did everything they were supposed to do and they without a doubt saved a life,” said Capt. Jennifer Macallair, public information officer for the Anne Arundel County Fire Department.  “Only right that we give these guys a little recognition.”
Four of the five lifeguards were [cq comment=”in attendance” ] attended Tuesday’s ceremony, some with their families. All received letters of merit and a challenge coin from the fire department.
Schultz said he was most impressed with all the lifeguards being back at work the next day.
“It would be easy to not want to do this anymore because when it gets real it gets real,” he said. “But as tragic as these types of events can be, it’s certainly a life lesson you will carry with you going forward.”

Teen lifeguards who saved drowning girl honored at Severna Park pool