3 Honored For Saving Woman's Life At Centennial Lake

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — A resident and two county employees were recognized recently for their heroic efforts in saving a woman from nearly drowning at Centennial Lake in Ellicott City this summer.

Around 6:30 p.m. on June 14, 27-year-old Howard County resident Cale Maynard was teaching his nephew how to fish near Centennial Lake’s boat ramp when he heard someone yelling for help. Maynard scanned the water and saw a kayaker screaming while another person was face down in the water. Maynard grabbed a personal floatation device from the park’s free loaner life vest stand located near the boat ramp, jumped into the water and swam out to the person who was drowning, according to officials who retold the details of the event during a news conference.

Maynard safely held on to the woman and began swimming back to the dock. Two county recreation and parks employees, Leo Pertman, 16, and Makiyia Staunton, 20, arrived in a boat and helped bring the two safely back to shore. The county’s department of fire and rescue services then arrived on scene and took the woman to Shock Trauma where she was evaluated and discharged, according to officials.

“It’s easy to underestimate the courage it takes to be the first to step in when someone is in trouble,” said Howard County Fire Chief Louis Winston at a news conference recognizing the three individuals. “That’s what makes the actions of these three rescuers so extraordinary – and it’s a powerful reminder that everyday people can and do make a difference right here in Howard County.”

Pertman is a student at Reservoir High School and works as a boat rental attendant. This is his first summer working for the recreation and parks department, officials noted. Staunton began working for the department last year and recently was promoted to boat rental manager. As part of their job requirements, they must participate in two days of training that includes boat rescues, first aid and CPR.

"It’s not every day that we get to stand in the presence of heroes, but today, we all get to recognize the truly heroic efforts of three people who used quick thinking and displayed courage to save someone’s life. Thanks to these three, we got another reminder of why Howard County is strong – because of our community members who care for each other," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball at the news conference.