Lillie Vehling, a college student and accomplished swimmer, was honored as 'Lady Guardian of Lake Washington' for her quick actions in rescuing three girls from drowning in Lake Washington on July 31. The incident occurred during Seattle's annual Seafair festival, a summer celebration featuring aquatic events and air shows.
Vehling, a member of UC Davis's Division 1 water polo team and a certified lifeguard, was reading by the shore when she noticed the girls struggling about 15 yards out in the water. She told KOMO News that the girls appeared to be in distress, with one of them drowning the others as they fought for air. Her lifeguard training and swimming expertise immediately prompted her to enter the water.
She first reached the girl who was submerging the others, bringing her to shallower water before returning for the second girl. By the time she reached the third girl, she appeared unconscious and was tangled in a buoy rope. Vehling managed to untangle the girl and pull her to safety, after which the girl regained consciousness and coughed up water.
Bystanders had alerted emergency services, and Seattle Fire Department paramedics arrived to provide aid. One of the girls was transported to Seattle Children's Hospital in stable condition.
Emily Cantrell, Seafair President and CEO, expressed her admiration for Vehling's bravery, calling her actions "extraordinary." Cantrell met with Vehling after the rescue and invited her to a Seafair gala that evening. At the gala, Vehling was informally recognized with the title 'Lady Guardian of Lake Washington.'
Vehling, who aspires to join the Nuclear Navy partly due to her admiration for the Blue Angels, a Navy flight squadron, was further honored with a special viewing of the Blue Angels air show the following day. "I didn't think twice about myself," Vehling told KOMO News, expressing gratitude that everyone was safe.
