Local Scout Saves a Child’s Life

Stories of quick thinking, knowing what to do and decisive action that saves a life are rare, but everyone at the Friends of Scouting luncheon at Farmington Country Club on April 14 experienced one firsthand. Mike White, President of the Virginia Headwaters Council of Scouting America, told the story, “On a Saturday not too long ago, a Scout named Mady was just arriving for work at the Crozet ACAC. It was a normal day, until it wasn’t. She saw a three-year-old boy unresponsive in the swimming pool. He had been submerged for over a minute and was not breathing. In a moment when many people would freeze, Mady didn’t. She acted. Fully clothed, she dove into the water, pulled the child out, and immediately began life-saving measures. She stayed calm. She relied on her training. She did exactly what needed to be done. And because of that, that little boy started breathing again. When paramedics arrived, they were clear: without Mady’s quick thinking and ability to act, that child would not have survived. Mady saved a life that day.”

Mady Wilsing and her parents, Dave and Heather, attended the luncheon where Mady was honored for remaining calm and putting her training to use. Her fast and clear-headed actions gave a three-year-old child and his family a chance to celebrate future birthdays, graduations, weddings, even grandchildren. A day that could have ended in tragedy was avoided due to her quick thinking and action.

Currently a junior at Western Albemarle High and a member of the reigning Virginia State Champion girls swim team where she swims breaststroke, Mady holds the rank of Life Scout with Troop 114 in Ivy and is working toward becoming an Eagle Scout. Only four percent of Scouts earn this highest honor in Scouting America, which demands at least 21 merit badges, leadership service, and a major service project. The Virginia Headwaters Council, which serves 13 counties in central Virginia, recognized 79 new Eagle Scouts at the luncheon. Eleven of those new Eagle Scouts come from the local Troops #79 in Crozet and #114 in Ivy. 

Reflecting on the event, Mady shared, “That has been the most important moment in my life. It was near the end of my shift as lifeguard on a Saturday afternoon in February. The pool was almost empty when I went down to check on a family at the far end of the pool. There were two young sisters floating when I noticed a dark shadow on the bottom. I dove in, shoes, hoodie, sweatpants and pulled the child onto my shoulders where the grandmother then helped me pull the child out of the pool while I treaded water. The boy was unresponsive, not breathing, so I gave the boy several short breaths and yelled to my co-worker to call 911. In a short time, we were able to get the boy breathing and responsive. The paramedics got there fast, said the boy looked OK but took him to the hospital to be sure.” When asked what went through her mind when she saw the child in the pool, she replied simply, “Just go!”

Mady said the event has inspired her to pursue nursing as a career and become qualified as an EMT in classes at Western next year. She said the boy she saved is now taking swimming lessons. Mady has been teaching swimming lessons for the past year or so and specializes in younger and special education kids. For her Eagle service project, she is partnering with The Haven in Charlottesville to provide 150 care packages for the homeless containing personal care items. 

Attendees at the Scouting luncheon were also treated to a leadership talk from Todd DeSorbo, head coach for the UVA swim team and head coach for the 2024 Team USA womens swim team at the Paris Olympics. He shared thoughts regarding his motto, “All Day.” He maintains you have to act like a champion before you can be a champion, you must carry yourself like a champion in everything you do—all day. He said that culture is more important than practice and when asked how important talent is to winning, he answered, “Work ethic beats talent 100% of the time.” He finished with a story of UVA freshman Maximus Williamson who took the NCAA title in the 200 freestyle in March after tying for the eighth spot with teammate David King during the prelims. King ceded the spot to Williamson to avoid a swim off, and Williamson went on to win from the eighth lane with the second fastest time ever recorded for a freshman. His words were fitting in this crowd of supporters of Scouting, where qualities such as character, leadership, teamwork, personal growth and responsible citizenship are hallmarks.