Vaughan Aquatic Staff Receive Multiple Lifesaving Society Awards
Image
April 23, 2013
A ceremonial presentation was held at Council today recognizing Vaughan aquatic staff who received several awards from the Canadian Lifesaving Society (LSS), Ontario Branch. LSS awards included the 2012 Jocelyn Palm Cup, a series of medals for wins at the 2013 Ontario Lifesaving Championships and the Rescue Award of Merit.
2013 Ontario Lifesaving Championships
Rescue Award of Merit
Five staff from the Dufferin Clark Community Centre received this award for resuscitating an unresponsive, non-breathing patron who had suffered a brain hemorrhage on December 22, 2011. Due to the quick response of the team and the administration of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (Automated External Defibrillator), the patron survived and has made a full recovery. Vaughan staff were acknowledged with a special presentation held on Friday, March 22, 2013 in the City of Kitchener.
A ceremonial presentation was held at Council today recognizing Vaughan aquatic staff who received several awards from the Canadian Lifesaving Society (LSS), Ontario Branch. LSS awards included the 2012 Jocelyn Palm Cup, a series of medals for wins at the 2013 Ontario Lifesaving Championships and the Rescue Award of Merit.
Bob Clark, past president of the Canadian Lifesaving Society, Ontario Branch, formally recognized the City for its efforts in delivering the Society's training programs and promoting Water Smart® public education, and supporting the Society's drowning prevention mission. The City is a long-standing affiliate, offering Swim for Life® and aquatic leadership programs at 10 pools across Vaughan.
"On behalf of the over 300,000 people who proudly call the City of Vaughan home, I am pleased to congratulate our aquatics staff for their achievements," said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. "Our lifeguards are highly-trained professionals who undergo extensive training and remain committed to the safety of those who use our aquatic facilities. These awards recognize a high-calibre team whose efforts add to the quality of life in our City."
LSS awards received:
2012 Jocelyn Palm Cup
This award recognizes the LSS affiliate who made the most outstanding contribution to the National Lifeguard Service (NLS) in Ontario in 2012. Last year, the City’s 400-plus lifeguards and swim instructors worked to increase participation in aquatic programs citywide, and engage the community through various outreach initiatives (such as swimathon fundraisers), public education and a marketing campaign, "I save lives, so can you.". The campaign, which encouraged ongoing staff development and promoted the National Lifeguard Service course, included promotional giveaways such as swim caps and car decals. In 2012 the City offered dozens of NLS courses with a NLS candidate success rate of 90 per cent, and also supported provincial and regional lifeguard competitions through team participation and the hosting of competitions. The award was officially presented to the City at the Lifesaving Society Annual General Meeting in Kitchener, on March 22, 2013.
2013 Ontario Lifesaving Championships
LSS is the Canadian governing body for the sport of lifesaving, and organizes annual championships based on skills needed for real rescues. Competition events included: a mannequin tow, obstacle swim, line throw and tow with fins. On March 2, 2013, Vaughan aquatic staff competed in the 2013 Ontario Lifesaving Sport Championships, held in the Town of Tillsonburg, representing the City in both the masters and open divisions. The City of Vaughan Masters teams returned home with a total of 14 medals (7 Gold; 3 Silver; and 4 Bronze) and the title of “Provincial Champions” for the second consecutive year.
Provincial Champions (Master Teams), 2013 Ontario Lifesaving Championships.
Rescue Award of Merit
The Rescue Award of Merit celebrates the lifesaving actions of individuals who exemplify the society's motto: "Whomsoever you see in distress, recognize in him a fellow man." All nominations are reviewed by the Lifesaving Society's Rescue Commendation Chair and evaluated based on the following: ability to recognize the emergency, willingness to intervene and evidence of good judgment.
Rescue Award of Merit
Five staff from the Dufferin Clark Community Centre received this award for resuscitating an unresponsive, non-breathing patron who had suffered a brain hemorrhage on December 22, 2011. Due to the quick response of the team and the administration of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (Automated External Defibrillator), the patron survived and has made a full recovery. Vaughan staff were acknowledged with a special presentation held on Friday, March 22, 2013 in the City of Kitchener.
For more information about the Canadian Lifesaving Society visit www.lifesaving.ca. For a complete list of Swim for Life® lessons and leadership courses offered at Vaughan pools refer to the online Recreation eGuide. For more information call the Recreation & Culture Department at 905-832-8500.
Members of the award-winning teams
2012 Jocelyn Palm Cup Award
Project/award submission lead: Brook Beatty, Aquatic Coordinator, Garnet A. Williams Pool.
Project/award submission lead: Brook Beatty, Aquatic Coordinator, Garnet A. Williams Pool.
Provincial Champions (Masters Teams), 2013 Ontario Lifesaving Championships:
Masters Division Swimmers: Robin Roy; Daina Favia; Jeannette Reesor; Ann Bashford; Adam Burnett
Brook Beatty (Masters Division Coach); Adam Mobbs; and John Morrison.
Open Division Swimmers: Steven Mattei; Anthony Curcurato; Jessica Melo; Giulia Ciliberto; Elena Prospero; Marta Wrzal (Open Division Coach); and Tegan Weatherup-Leach.
Rescue Award of Merit:
Four Aquatic Staff Mark Hou; Stefan Goetz-Parent; Christina Tacconelli; and Emma Valent and
Office Administrator Steve Moreland from the Dufferin Clark Community Centre