Young Hero: 12-year-old girl honored with award after saving cousin's life in Spring

Two Texas cousins and best friends never knew how their bond would grow even deeper after a terrifying close call on hot June afternoon. Rylee Perry, 12, was swimming with her cousin, Cali Christopher, 12 of Katy, at Rylee’s home in the Bridgestone community off FM 2920 when Cali went underwater during a game on June 3. Minutes later, Rylee noticed Cali was at the bottom of the pool.

Rylee pulled Cali out and called for her mother who dialed 9-1-1. When the Spring Fire Department’s Engine 75 and Cypress Creek EMS responded, Cali was unresponsive. Miraculously, Cali has since made a full recovery.   

Rylee was awarded the Civilian Lifesaving Award  by the Spring Fire and EMS crews on Thursday. Rylee and Cali's story is an amazing example of why it’s important to follow the buddy system when swimming this summer. Both girls are both strong swimmers who have been swimming together for nearly a decade.