The Poulsbo Beat

Kohl Serwold, 14, and dog Kali

UPDATE: I just got word Kohl Serwold is being recommended for an American Red Cross Real Hero award for his life-saving actions last week. Learn more here.

Fourteen-year-old Scandia resident Kohl Serwold was busy last Thursday afternoon — he ticked a chore off the list (lawnmowing) and rescued Kali, his happy, amber-eyed Golden Retriever who swam after two seals nearly 400 yards into Liberty Bay. The latter has made him a neighborhood hero.

“It was a real act of bravery on his part,” said neighbor Jim LaFramboise, who watched as Kali swam farther and farther off-shore.

Serwold also saw his dog adrift, and quickly put on a lifejacket before paddling a kayak into the bay and collecting the exhausted canine.

See photos of the rescue, and of Kohl and Kali safe at home, below.  JM

A neighbor took this photo of Kohl Serwold retrieving dog Kali after she followed two seals nearly 400 yards into Liberty Bay.

Kohl Serwold and dog Kali returning home on a kayak. To the right of the kayak is a seal.

Kohl Serwold plays with dog Kali at his waterfront home in Scandia. The dog frequently plays in the water, but recently swam too far into the bay. Serwold paddled to her rescue.