Older Brother Saves Younger Brother from Drowning in Butte Creek

Although this incident turned out well it could have quickly turned tragic.

An 8-year-old Oregon boy is lucky to be alive today, after his 12-year-old brother risked his own life and rescued his 8-year-old brother from drowning in a Willamette Valley waterway. Photo Courtesy: wheels and water

(SCOTTS MILLS, Ore. ) - An 8-year-old Oregon boy is lucky to be alive Tuesday, after his 12-year-old brother risked his own life and rescued his 8-year-old brother from drowning in a Willamette Valley waterway.

The Marion County Sheriff's office says the boys were trying to cool off Monday afternoon by swimming in Butte Creek at the Scotts Mills Park with their 43-year-old aunt.

The 8-year-old became caught in a swirling current, became tired and starting swallowing water. His 12-year-old brother saw he needed help, swam out to him and together they reached the shore. Neighbors heard the screams from the aunt, Connie Kitchen, and called 911.

When law enforcement and fire arrived the boy was tired but uninjured. The 8-year-old was taken to Silverton Hospital for evaluation. Life preserves were not being used by either child in this case, nor were they accessible, the sheriff's office said.

Please remember a few things can save you or your child's life when swimming in the open water:

Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.

Always swim with a buddy; Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well.

Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child's life to another child.

teach children to always ask permission to go near water.

Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets around water.

Do not rely on life jackets alone.

Establish rules for your family and enforce them without fail. For example, set limits based on each person's ability.