A heroic Dumbarton Academy pupil has been hailed a lifesaver after saving a teenager from drowning in Loch Lomond.
Kevin Butler, 15, and pal Max Ryan jumped into the loch near Luss last Wednesday (May 31) after seeing a swimmer in trouble.
The brave teens pulled the man to safety, with Kevin having to help Our Lady and St Patrick’s pupil Max from danger as he got dragged under by the struggling swimmer.
Incredibly Kevin, from Haldane, has followed in the footsteps of his dad, John, who saved a man’s life in the River Leven two decades ago – earning an award from the police for his bravery.
And mum Julie Marie Butler said she couldn’t be prouder to see her son follow in her husband’s footsteps.
She told the Lennox: “He said there were loads of people just standing there doing nothing, and that they couldn’t stand and watch that happening.
“He’s not always the greatest at jumping into the water. But he just jumped straight off the pier to get the boy. It was amazing.
“I was worried about something happening to him when I heard he was going to Luss, because kids don’t always realise the dangers.
“His pal, Max, jumped in too and was getting pulled under by the boy who was drowning, Kevin managed to pull him up and then pull the other boy away as well.
“We’ve told him how proud we are that he did that, because he would’ve felt a lot worse if he hadn’t gone in. He’s saved a life.
“I think he appreciates what he’s done. He’s not always been the most confident, but it shows him what he is capable of.
“Without a thought for his own safety he went into the water to save a life.
“That makes you incredibly proud as a parent.”
However, humble Kevin was left red-faced by the praise he received when returning to dry land.
Julie added: “He got a standing ovation and everyone was clapping, shouting and congratulating him. But he was really embarrassed by it all because he’s quite shy and doesn’t like a fuss being made about him!”
Julie now hopes that the incident will reinforce the dangers of the loch, with a summer heatwave seeing thousands of people flock to the Bonnie Banks – and the school holidays less than a month away.
“We’re now keen to raise awareness of the dangers, because every year is the same up there. People don’t realise how dangerous it is,” she explained.
“Kevin is a great swimmer, but we’ve always been keen to drum into him the dangers of the water.
“He’s very sensible around the water and he knows never to mix water and alcohol.
“He knows that he’s a good swimmer, but Loch Lomond is freezing. And all it takes is being caught in a current and you’re in trouble.
“The water looks still and inviting, but it’s not.
“There’s always the risk of cold-water shock and of being dragged in by a current.
“He now knows those dangers first-hand.
“I was stressed when I knew he was going to Luss, but I’m just pleased he did. Because he was in the right place at the right time.
“To know your child has now saved someone else’s life is absolutely incredible.
“We’re proud as punch.”
