East Lansing's now-retired Fire Marshal is being honored for his role during an incident on Lake Michigan last summer.

Bob Pratt was named "Lifesaver of the Year" by the National Drowning Prevention Alliance.

Pratt, who is also a co-founder of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, helped rescue a boy caught up in a rip current in New Buffalo in August.

He had just wrapped up a class on Surfboard Rescue Techniques when one of his students saw the boy struggling--- so he jumped in and helped coach his student through the rescue.

Through his organization, “The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project,” Pratt teaches Great Lakes rip current awareness, beach and water safety.

Pratt will be honored for his award during an all-expense paid trip for him and a guest to the National Drowning Prevention Symposium in California next month.