The Lifesaving Society, BC & Yukon Branch is honoured to award Nixen Sherratt, Cooper Pearson and Cole Pearson the Silver Medal of Merit and Chris Pearson and Jason Sherratt the Silver Medal of Bravery as well as the Governor’s Gold Award at the 112th Annual Commonwealth Awards for Honour & Rescue on March 9 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

On July 25, 2023, an incident unfolded on a turbulent day with strong winds and choppy waves at Wasa Lake.

Kimberley resident Chris Pearson was on the beach with his friend, Jason Sherratt of Cranbrook, when they were alerted by their kids — seven-year-old Nixen Sherratt, eight-year-old Cooper Pearson and 10-year-old Cole Pearson, when they saw some other kids crying and heard them say that their three-year-old sister was drowning.

They ran back to the adults, screaming that a little girls was drowning. The adults immediately sprang into action. As they looked to the water they could see her a small bathing suit and sandals moving with the waves.

As they approached her, they witnessed an intense moment— the girl’s father was paddling bravely against the wind to reach his daughter, but as he swam, he grew tired from the effort to reach her. Chris and Jason knew he would not be able to reach her in time.

With synchronized efforts, Chris and Jason reached the distressed girl and brought her back to shore.

Once they reached the shore, they laid her down on the wet sand. Jason initiated compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, tirelessly working for about five minutes.

The resilience of the young girl prevailed, as she eventually started coughing up water and lake-weed, followed by lots of tears.

The three children’s quick response played a pivotal role in ensuring a positive outcome for the young girl.

Pearson emphasized the crucial role played by their children, stating that without them, the girl may have drifted further into the lake, inaccessible to help. The children, although scared by the incident, expressed happiness upon learning that their actions had been credited with saving the girl’s life.

The 112th Annual Commonwealth Awards for Honour & Rescue brings together the Lifesaving Society of BC & Yukon, family, friends, and dignitaries to formally acknowledge the devoted efforts of award recipients.

Honour awards commend the dedicated service of the society’s volunteers. Rescue Awards call for community involvement in recognizing individuals who have demonstrated outstanding courage in aiding those in distress during a water- related emergency.

Lead image: Wasa Lake. e-KNOW file photo

Lifesaving Society – BC & Yukon 

Article Share