- October 10, 2026
July 30 was a pretty calm day, said Dempsey Manhart, 16, who was finishing up his first summer as a Volusia County ocean lifeguard in Daytona Beach.
“I was getting ready to go on lunch,” said Manhart, who is a junior at Matanzas High School. “That's when these people started screaming for help.”
From his lifeguard tower near the Silver Beach Avenue ramp, he saw a man walking out of the ocean, carrying a 5-year-old boy who was unconscious and not breathing.
“I went 10-6, which means you’re going out on a rescue,” Manhart said. “I went and grabbed the boy and brought him in.”
At that point, lifeguard Mackenzie Malone, 19, who was Manhart’s lunch relief, had heard Manhart’s radio call and rushed to the area. Together they administered CPR and were able to revive the boy.
“About the third or fourth round, that’s when he actually came back,” Manhart said. “It was an awesome experience to see, that it actually does work and we saved this kid’s life.”
The full-time lifeguards and EMTs arrived on the scene quickly, Manhart said.
“Right before they got there we were able to successfully bring him back. And then the fire department and everyone was there,” Manhart said. “It was cool to see how fast they got there. I would say the coolest thing was seeing how fast our team can work together and how good we work as a team.”
Manhart said they have been informed that the boy has made a full recovery and is doing well.
Manhart received a certificate of recognition “for his outstanding lifesaving actions,” from the Flagler County School Board on Aug. 25.
“Your quick response, courage, and dedication exemplify the highest standards of service and commitment to the safety and well-being of others. Your selfless actions reflect great character, compassion, and leadership, bringing honor to yourself, your family, and the Matanzas High School community,” the certificate read.
He was recognized along with some of his teammates on the Matanzas swim team who are also certified ocean lifeguards in Flagler Beach or Volusia County.
“These young people are students, yet they serve in such a huge capacity. and so we appreciate them and the sacrifices they make to serve our community,” Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore said.
Dempsey’s mother, Matanzas High School teacher and coach Sabrina Manhart, stood next to him in the group photo.
Dempsey said he has been training to be a lifeguard for as long as he can remember. His father, Stan Manhart, is a Volusia County Sheriff's deputy based in New Smyrna Beach in the coastal district. Stan is triple certified as a lifeguard, EMT and a deputy.
“Dempsey's been around it his entire life,” Stan said.
Since Dempsey and his older sister, McKenzie, could swim, Stan said, he's taught them about rip currents and what they should do when they get stuck in one.
Dempsey Manhart and Mackenzie Malone will also be receiving an award from the American Red Cross. And on Sept. 22, the Volusia County Council will honor the two with a Dempsey Manhart and Mackenzie Malone Day.
“It’s a proud moment,” Stan said. “He got to put everything he's learned over the years to use, and he had a successful outcome. Usually you get a different outcome, but this one was a great outcome.”
