The Story of a 12-year-old Lightkeeper Who Saved 18 Lives While Risking Her Own

When we think of superhero careers, we imagine doctors, nurses, and firefighters. A lighthouse keeper isn’t exactly a profession that pops into our head. However, in the 19th century, lighthouse keepers did more than tend to their lighthouses, they also played a big role in search and rescue missions at sea.

Ida Lewis wasn’t just a lighthouse keeper. She saved many lives over the course of her career; her first being when she was only 12 years old. Bright Side is inspired by her story and we have a feeling you will be too.

Ida Lewis was only 12 years old when her father suffered a stroke, and she became the lighthouse keeper.

It happened just 4 months after her father, Captain Hosea Lewis, got the job and the family moved to the tiny Lime Rock island. Her father became disabled, and Ida took on his duties as a lightkeeper while also caring for him and helping her mother with the younger siblings.

Every weekday, she rowed her younger siblings to school from the island. By the age of 15, she was the best swimmer in Newport.

Ida made her very first rescue when she was only 12 years old, saving 4 men after their boat capsized in the water.

A few years later, she made one of her most celebrated rescues. 2 soldiers, led by a teenage guide, were traveling at sea when their boat overturned. Ida, who was sick herself at the time, along with her brother, didn’t hesitate to take action. They rushed to the rescue of Soldier Adams and Soldier McLaughlin, dragging them to dry land.

Ida was recognized and celebrated for the rescue of the soldiers. During her impressive career as a lighthouse keeper, which spanned over 5 decades, she was able to save at least 18 lives.

She was often criticized for not being a lady, but her reply was, “None — but a donkey, would consider it ’un-feminine’ to save lives.”

Ida Lewis’ incredible feats did not go unnoticed. At a time when not many women were breaking major ground, Ida was celebrated for her efforts. After saving Soldier Adams and Soldier McLaughlin, Ida’s heroism put her on the map and brought her a lot of attention.

Her bravery and skill also helped her become the first woman to ever receive the Gold Lifesaving Medal from the United States government. Ida’s achievement not only earned her features in several US publications, but she was also referred to by many as the “Bravest Woman in America.”

Ida was 68 years old when she made her last reported rescue.

Ida’s dedication to the Lime Rock Lighthouse was so strong that after she got married in 1870 and moved to a different state, she left her husband 2 years later and returned to Lime Rock.

At an age when most people might be thinking of retiring, Ida made another big save. She was 68 years old when she rescued 5 girls who fell into the sea while rowing.

Even though she passed away in 1911, Ida Lewis’s impressive work has never been forgotten. In fact, the Lime Rock Lighthouse was renamed Ida Lewis Rock in her honor.

What do you think of Ida’s triumph and heroism? If given the choice, could you ever imagine a career as a lighthouse keeper?