December 18, 2024 – Ridgewood, NJ

This summer, three lifeguards from the Ridgewood YMCA displayed exceptional courage and quick thinking, saving a patron’s life at Darlington County Park. In recognition of their heroism, the American Red Cross recently awarded Andrew, Tom, and Maya the prestigious Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders in a special ceremony held at the Ridgewood YMCA.  

Over the course of the summer, more than 100 lifeguards are trained and certified by the Ridgewood YMCA to ensure the safety of park visitors. Each guard that was honored had worked with the YMCA for three or more years and had completed extensive waterfront and lifeguard training, along with numerous certification hours, all of which had prepared them for emergency rescues. This past summer a patron lost consciousness on a raft in the center of the lake. Within just two minutes of spotting the emergency, Head Guard Andrew, along with Assistant Guards Tom and Maya, sprang into action.  

The lifeguards acted quickly, working together seamlessly to stabilize the individual. Andrew assisted with rapid extraction from the water bringing them to shore with a rescue board.  They immediately notified EMS, assessed the situation, and Maya monitored vitals and provided emergency O2.  

When EMS arrived, the patron was showing signs of life, a testament to the lifeguards’ prompt and effective response.  

The lifesaving team was honored during a surprise ceremony at the Ridgewood YMCA, surrounded by fellow lifeguards, family members, and community supporters. During the ceremony, the American Red Cross presented them with the Lifesaving Award, recognizing their professionalism, skill, and bravery in a critical moment.

For those interested in learning how to become a lifeguard and gain the skills necessary to make a life-saving difference, the Ridgewood YMCA offers American Red Cross lifeguard training. To learn more and register for upcoming courses, visit the Ridgewood YMCA’s Lifeguard Training Page.

The Ridgewood YMCA remains committed to ensuring the safety of all those who visit Darlington County Park and to training the next generation of lifeguards who will continue to serve with excellence and care.

National Lifesaving Awards

After 110 years, the American Red Cross Lifesaving Awards program, originally conceived as one award in 1911, has since evolved into three: The Certificate of Merit, The Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders, and The Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action.

The first was awarded 1911 in recognition of first aid work rendered by railway men who helped save a life. From 1911, thousands of awards have been issued to individuals who have saved or have sustained a life, many as a direct result of American Red Cross Training Services programs.

If you or someone you know has used skills and knowledge learned in an American Red Cross Training Services course to help save or sustain the life of another individual, you can visit LifesavingAwards.org to nominate, recognize, or be inspired.