Lifeguard Receives National Award from American Red Cross

November 7, 2007 - As swimmers enjoy their fun in the sun, lifeguards make sure they are safe and sound. The local Monroe County Red Cross chapter recently recognized lifeguard Leah Lattimer, City of Bloomington Parks & Recreation staff member, with the Lifesaving Award for the Professional Responder. This award, issued by the national office of the American Red Cross, is reserved for professionals who, while on duty, save a life using skills learned in a Red Cross health and safety course.

Lattimer’s heroics unfolded on a sunny day in the first week of summer vacation at Ralph Mills Pool in Bloomington, Indiana. Six-year-old Piper Donnelly, who was there with her classmates from Monroe County United Ministries (MCUM), inhaled water in 1’5” deep pool and slipped under the water. Lattimer, seeing the motionless child underwater, immediately entered the pool and brought her to the surface.

Once Lattimer determined Donnelly was not breathing, she initiated 911 and then performed rescue breathing for several minutes before the child began breathing on her own. Lattimer continued to monitor Donnelly until paramedics arrived and transported the child to Bloomington Hospital. Thanks to the quick and effective actions of Lattimer, who was trained by the American Red Cross, Donnelly was later released in good condition and started participating in the summer swim program again.

Lattimer received her certificate for successful completion of the Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer just two weeks before she sprang into action at the community pool.

To find out more about becoming a lifeguard or lifeguard instructor, contact the Monroe County Chapter of the American Red Cross at (812) 332-7292.