A tragic event was avoided thanks in part to a heroic tween. Alex Dupuis, 12, noticed his classmate was struggling in the water. They were on a fun field trip at Spring Lake Beach in Burrillville, Rhode Island. Alex just knew he had to help.
Alex jumped in the water and swam to his classmate. He kept them floating until lifeguards were able to reach them. He didn't leave his buddy's side.
Alex didn't think twice before jumping into action. "I was just thinking, 'I've got to help him,'" Alex recalled to NRI NOW.
Alex knew what he had to do. "I jumped in and swam to him. He grabbed onto me and I went underwater, but I was able to get us back up," Alex recalled WPRI-TV. He stayed with his classmate and kept them afloat until lifeguards could reach them.
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You could say helping people runs in the family. Alex's parents, Matt Dupuis and Lisa Beausoleil, both work as first responders with the Pascoag Fire Department.
Alex didn't tell his parents about this incident right away. They found out in an email from the school. They couldn't be prouder of him. Dad Matt says Alex's actions "speaks volumes to the type of person he is."
The Pascoag Fire Department is also impressed by Alex's courage. The department celebrated his actions on its Facebook page. "We are so proud of this young man, who we have watched grow up in our firehouse," the statement read. "We are happy to have him as a member of our Pascoag Fire Family!"
Alex isn't letting this 15 minutes of fame go to his head. "I don’t really think of myself as a hero. I know a lot of first responders save people every day and anyone could have done what I did," he told WPRI-TV.
What a heroic and humble young man!
