Back St. Louis, Tuesday, July 11, 2006 – The American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter is seeking Missouri and Illinois lifeguard teams for its 10th Annual Lifeguard Competition on July 23 at Queeny Park from 7:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Teams will have the opportunity to demonstrate and enhance their lifesaving skills through a series of scenario-based testing exercises, including first aid, the rescue of passive and active victims, and the appropriate management of spinal injuries.  Participating lifeguards must currently be certified by the American Red Cross and be a staff member at the facility sponsoring the team. Teams may consist of four to six members, utilizing four members per event. Trophies will be given for First, Second and Third places in each event and for overall performance. The judges will also award the Mark Finley Most Valuable Rescuer Trophy to the lifeguard who performed the best overall. “The lifeguard competition is an important tool that helps the Red Cross to uphold the highest standards of water safety,” said Joyce Bathke, director of health and safety for the St. Louis Area Chapter. “The event is a unique opportunity for lifeguards to refresh their vital skills in their role as safety professionals.” Sponsors of the competition include PepsiAmericas, Target Stores, Bi-State Pool Management, Lifeguards Unlimited and Pro Pool Management. To register for the competition, or to learn more about the scenario-based event, teams should contact the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2740 or log on to www.redcrossstl.org. About the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter: Founded in 1917, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter provides emergency and preparedness assistance more than 407,000 times each year. The Red Cross depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers and 100 staff to provide a wide range of community support services, including disaster relief, first aid and CPR training, water safety, services to military personnel and support for blood services. The Chapter, a United Way agency, provides programs and services to St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County in Missouri, as well as Monroe, St. Clair (including Scott Air Force Base) and part of Madison County in Illinois. # # #

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