The rescue of a Courtland man last weekend at Darden Millpond was indeed fortuitous.

While fishing, Harvey Randall, 68, reportedly fell out of his boat and into 40-degree water. Holding onto a log, Randall cried out for help and, thankfully, there was someone nearby to hear him.

Girl Scout volunteers at Camp Darden, which borders the water, heard the gentleman’s distress and wasted no time in their rescue. Sherri Sliker, Nevin Bunnell and Poppy Tansey are to be commended for not only their swift action, but perhaps more importantly their lifesaving skills.

All three people can serve as examples not only to Girl Scouts or even Boy Scouts, but to everyone.

This incident also brings to mind the importance of wearing life jackets whenever you’re in a river, lake or pond, particularly if you choose to go alone for boating or fishing. No one plans on falling into water, especially when low temperatures can shock and disorient a person. But accidents do happen and being prepared for any situation is prudent.

With warmer weather ahead, there’ll obviously be more people at the swimming pools or natural bodies of water. In addition to knowing how to swim, another potential lifesaver is knowing first aid and how to administer it.

You don’t have to be a Girl Scout or a Boy Scout to learn. There’s no real age limit in learning how to resuscitate someone through mouth-to-mouth or CPR. Contact the Red Cross or nearest rescue squad, for example, to find out when they might offer first aid classes.

You might never have to save a life, but you’ll be prepared if the occasion arises.