(KNZA)--Special recognition is given to a 14-year-old Hiawatha girl who saved the life of a drowning child last month.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant during Monday’s County Commission meeting presented a Lifesaving Award to Haley Loyd for her display of courage, quick thinking and decisive action.

Loyd was swimming at the Hiawatha Aquatic Park on June 4th when she noticed a child floating on her back with her head submerged in the water.  

She quickly raised the child’s head above the water where she noticed her lips were blue, eyes had rolled back into her sockets, and a large amount of water running from her nose and mouth.

Loyd pulled the child poolside and sought the assistance of a lifeguard.

Merchant says because of her quick action a tragedy was averted.
        
Loyd will be a freshman at Hiawatha High School this fall.