A brave teenager became a real-life hero after saving a man in danger during a paddleboarding (桨板冲浪) accident at Saunton Sands, north Devon. This heartwarming story highlights how courage, quick thinking, and proper training can change lives forever.

On April 25, 14-year-old Oscar, a junior member of the Saunton Sands Surf Life Saving Club, noticed something unusual in the rough waves. Sixty-year-old Gavin Bowden had been struck by his paddleboard and was struggling to stay afloat. “I couldn’t move my arms or legs. I kept shouting ‘help!’” Gavin recalled. Despite his young age, Oscar didn’t hesitate. He grabbed his rescue board and rushed into the water.

The waves were strong, but Oscar’s training took over. He carefully positioned Gavin onto the board and used his body to keep the injured man stable. “I locked my arms with him so he wouldn’t slip away,” Oscar explained. For 30 tense minutes, he stayed calm, reassuring (使安心) Gavin by asking about his family and keeping him conscious. Meanwhile, Oscar signaled to his father onshore for backup.

Finally, a rescue team arrived and rushed Gavin to the hospital. Doctors later confirmed that Gavin had suffered a neck injury. Two weeks after the accident, Gavin met Oscar again. With tears in his eyes, he hugged the teenager and said, “You’re my little hero.” Oscar’s parents proudly listened as Gavin praised their son’s bravery. “He’s a great kid. He saved my life,” Gavin told them.

When asked about his fears during the rescue, Oscar admitted, “Gavin’s much bigger than me, and I wasn’t sure if I could lift him. But I knew I had to try.” His actions remind us that heroes come in all ages — sometimes wearing a teenager’s smile.

Neil Phillips, Oscar’s coach at the surf club, called the rescue “textbook perfect”. He explained, “Oscar followed every step: protecting the injured person, keeping him calm, and waiting for professional help. Many adults would panic in such a situation.”

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1. 1. What happened to Gavin Bowden?

A    He was struck by his own paddleboard.

B    He was hit by another surfer’s board.

C    He lost his paddleboard in the rough waves.

D    He fell off his paddleboard due to strong winds.

2. 2. What specific technique did Oscar use to keep Gavin stable during the rescue?

A    He held Gavin’s arms tightly.

B    He tied Gavin to the board with a rope.

C    He pressed Gavin’s shoulders against the board.

D    He locked his arms with Gavin’s.

3. 3. What does Gavin’s statement “You’re my little hero” primarily reflect?

A    His surprise at a teenager’s strength.

B    His regret about the paddleboarding accident.

C    His gratitude for Oscar’s life-saving actions.

D    His pride in Oscar’s surfing club training.

4. 4. Why did Neil Phillips describe Oscar’s rescue as “textbook perfect”?

A    Because Oscar used a training manual during the rescue.

B    Because Oscar strictly followed professional rescue steps.

C    Because the rescue was recorded in a textbook later.

D    Because Oscar’s actions were better than adults’.