ST. PAUL, Minn. - Daniel Chapman will admit, he's not the best swimmer in the world.
However, that didn't stop the Crystal Boy Scout from jumping into the deep end of a swimming pool and saving a little girl's life.
Chapman was recognized Wednesday with the National Boy Scouts of America Heroism award, during this year's "Million Dollar Day for Scouting" in St. Paul.
In August of 2010 Daniel and his family were staying at a campground in Lincoln, NE. Daniel was playing in the swimming pool with two other boys while a 2-year-old girl watched them from the deck.
The boys were throwing a beach ball around at one point and an errant throw left the ball close to the edge of the pool. The girl ran over and tried to reach it, but instead fell into the pool head first.
In the time it took adults to get to the edge of the pool the toddler had already sunk to the bottom. Daniel dove down, grabbed her under the arms and managed to pull her to the surface and over to the side. Daniel's mom then helped him get the child out of the pool.
The rescue is event more remarkable due to the fact that Daniel struggled to pass his BSA swimmer's test, yet he didn't hesitate to save the girl when she was in trouble.
The BSA Heroism Award recognizes a youth member or adult leader who has demonstrated heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save life at minimum risk to self. Nationwide fewer than 100 such medals are presented in annually.
More than 400 people looked on Wednesday morning as Chapman received his award.
Daniel continues his Scouting involvement as a member of Troop 84 at the Maple Grove Lutheran Church.
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