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Baker-Polito Administration Honors State Lifeguards for Heroic Actions

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BOSTON – At a Massachusetts State House ceremony, the Baker-Polito Administration today honored lifeguards stationed at Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) managed beaches and pools throughout the Commonwealth for their heroic efforts to assist others in need during the agency’s 2016 summer swimming season. In several instances, DCR lifeguards, who receive extensive training leading up to the summer months, reacted quickly to assist individuals under extreme duress.

“Today we honor state lifeguards for their brave actions in critical situations,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “On behalf of the Commonwealth, thank you for performing your duties at an exceptional level in order to protect the public.”

“Visitors to state managed waterfronts should feel safe and secure knowing that our lifeguards are trained for serious emergency situations,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Our waterfronts are safer because of them and their efforts, and we hope many other young people consider training to become lifeguards for the upcoming summer season.”

DCR lifeguards are professional rescuers who are trained to both prevent injuries from occurring, and to respond in an emergency to help save a life. As part of a team, lifeguards must work together calmly and efficiently to manage crisis situations. The DCR conducted over 200 rescues or assisted in life threatening situations during the Summer 2016 season, such as rip current saves, administration of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and assisting distressed swimmers, while also closely monitoring the facilities to ensure optimum safety.

“Visitors to our state waterfronts must always remember that danger can present itself suddenly and without warning, which is why the DCR trains its lifeguards to think quickly and take actions that directly leads to the saving of lives,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “We encourage their continued service and look to supporting all of our lifeguard candidates going into the summer season.”

“The lifeguards we honor today are truly dedicated to ensuring the public stays safe at DCR managed facilities, and will serve as excellent role models as the agency continues to recruit and train guards for the upcoming 2017 swimming season,” said DCR Commissioner Leo Roy. “The Baker-Polito Administration is extremely proud of their efforts, and it is my hope that many lifeguards will return to state waterfronts and pools again this year.”

DCR’s Aquatics Division, which oversees lifeguard recruitment, hiring, training, collectively staffs 32 swimming pools, 15 ocean beaches, and 25 inland beaches across the Commonwealth. To prepare lifeguards for real-life emergency situations, the Aquatics Division partners with the Red Cross to offer various tests and certification standards. All DCR lifeguards, who must be at least 16 years of age, must have a Red Cross or YMCA Lifeguarding certificate as well as a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automatic External Defibrillator (CPR/AED) certificate for the Professional Rescuer from either the Red Cross or the American Heart Association.

“Massachusetts is blessed with some of the finest public beaches in the nation. Our residents and tourists alike can visit these DCR waterfronts knowing that skilled, brave lifeguards are on hand to ensure their safety,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “As the representative for two coastal communities, I thank the honorees for their quick thinking and actions and salute them for their efforts in keeping people safe.”

“I commend all of the individuals being honored by DCR today for their heroic and life-saving actions,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). “DCR lifeguards undergo extensive training, and it’s comforting to know that they are always at the ready to assist the public and keep our state beaches and swimming pools safe.”

Below are examples of lifeguards who were honored during today’s recognition event:

Joie Donnelly, Breakheart Reservation
On June 25, 2016, Joie Donnelly retrieved an unconscious patron from the deepest part of the beach’s guarded area, performing CPR until reviving the individual. After visiting a nearby hospital, the gentleman made a full recovery.

Mark Dyer, Hopkinton State Park
On June 25, 2016, Mark Dyer was called into a deep section of water by the victim’s friend, who yelled for help. Mark entered the water and brought the victim to shore. While the victim at no point lost consciousness, the child was shaken and went home safely.

Shannon Daly, Breakheart Reservation
On June 26, 2016, Shannon Daly retrieved an unconscious child actively drowning. With no noticeable breathing or pulse, Shannon performed two cycles of CPR until the child regained both. Paramedics transported the patron to a nearby hospital, who made a full recovery.

James Reardon and Mary Angjeli, South Boston
On June 29, 2016, a gentleman swimming along the shoreline of Pleasure Bay suddenly stopped moving. James immediately notified other lifeguards and went into the water to rescue the victim, who was revived on the way to the hospital.

Jeron Leblanc, Ziola Wilder, and Ivy Durepo, Dunn State Park
On July 8, 2016, a woman came inside the Dunn Pond house frantically stating that there was a person yelling for help in the middle of the pond. Guards were alerted to the situation. Ivy immediately ran to the water’s edge, dove in, and reached the victim just as he was losing consciousness. Once reaching shore, 911 was called and EMTs arrived on scene to assess the victim, who was released into the care of his parents.

Sean Doran and Nicholas Remillard, Cochituate State Park
On July 16, 2016, Sean noticed a child floating in the water and dove in to retrieve the patron. Sean brought the boy to shore, who passed in and out of consciousness until EMS arrived. Paramedics transported the child to a nearby hospital, where he made a full recovery.

Medhi Bakhouch, Constitution Beach
On August 14, 2016, a regular visitor to the beach contacted DCR about a lifeguard who saved a gentleman from an overturned kayak. The visitor wanted to make sure that the lifeguard received recognition not only for assisting the kayaker who overturned. The visitor stated he “swims Constitution Beach often and feels safe knowing the lifeguards were alert.”

Janel Welton and Jessica Santiago, Revere Beach
On August 28, 2016, both guards brought an unconscious gentleman to shore due to passive drowning. Upon the use of rescue equipment, the victim regained consciousness and was transported to a nearby hospital, making a full recovery.

South Boston Team
Throughout the summer, the South Boston team experienced multiple saves, medical events and searches. The team as a whole worked together, whether it was a medical event, a rescue, or a search. The head lifeguards that represent South Boston are Shannon McGonagle, Tara Murphy, Meghan Keough, Kerstin Kostigen, and Will Conroy.

“I am very proud of these brave young men and women for their selfless commitment to their communities” said State Representative Nick Collins (D-South Boston). “As a former lifeguard I know first-hand the risks and rewards of the job, and I commend this group for their exemplary actions and lifesaving decision making in emergency situations.”

“The gallantry of rescuers like Janel, Medhi, and Jessica emphasize the invaluable role of lifeguards in the Commonwealth,” said State Senator Joseph Boncore (D-Winthrop). “Our beaches are the treasures of each individual community and the selfless bravery of these lifeguards ensures the public has safe access to the Commonwealth’s waterfronts.”

Additionally, with the summer season quickly approaching, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation has officially kicked off its recruitment campaign, and is currently seeking lifeguards and head lifeguards to serve at the agency’s many pools and inland and ocean beaches across the Commonwealth. All DCR lifeguard candidates must pass a written test as well as swim 500 yards in 11 minutes or under (9:30 or under for ocean beach lifeguards), retrieve a 10lbs. weight in nine feet of water, and perform three rescues. After passing all tests, lifeguard candidates attend DCR Lifeguard Pre-Service training and an orientation at the facility where they will be stationed.

Candidates may submit applications at DCR’s website. DCR lifeguard testing and CPR certification dates have already been scheduled throughout the winter and spring at Connell Pool in Weymouth, Madison Park High School in Roxbury, and the Somerville YMCA. Similar dates have been set at the Holy Cross Pool in Worcester and the Worcester YMCA. Furthermore, in Springfield, classes will be available at Springfield Central High School. Candidates interested in applying can also call 617-626-1224 for more information.