Local teams from Dellwood and Manchester take top honors by demonstrating rescue skills
St. Louis, Wednesday, July 25, 2007 - The American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter trains over 42,000 people in water safety programs every year, including Learn-to-Swim and lifeguard certification curriculum. In support of the Red Cross' mission to save lives, the St. Louis Area Chapter hosted the 11th Annual American Red Cross Lifeguard Competition at Queeny Park on Sunday, July 22.
During the event, lifeguards representing 15 teams competed in scenario-based events designed to enhance their rescue skills. Judges awarded points to the lifeguard teams based on their performance in exercises that require substantial skills in CPR, First Aid, the rescue of passive and active victims, and the appropriate management of spinal injuries. Teams were comprised of four to six members, with four members participating in each event.
"The lifeguard competition is a unique opportunity for lifeguards to refresh their skills as safety professionals," said Joyce Bathke, executive officer of health and safety for the St. Louis Area Chapter. "This event is designed to present each lifeguard with realistic challenges that they must be prepared to face on a daily basis. The competition is fun, educational, and an important tool that helps the Red Cross to uphold the highest standards of water safety."
The first place overall winner was Dellwood - Team 1. The City of Omaha Parks and Recreation team from Omaha, Nebraska won second place overall, and Manchester - Team 2 won third place overall. Brandon McBride, a lifeguard from Ballwin, was honored with the Mark Finley Award in recognition of his outstanding lifesaving skills, team spirit and commitment to water safety. This award is presented in memory of Mark Finley, long-time Red Cross championship lifeguard/swimmer. In addition to the top three overall prizes, trophies were awarded to the first, second and third places for each event.
Sponsors of the competition included The 401 K Store (Lead Sponsor), Bi-State Pool Management, Lifeguards Unlimited, PepsiAmericas, Pro Pool Management, Qdoba, St. Louis County Parks and Recreation, Swift Print Communications, and Target Stores. Through their generous support, these sponsors help the American Red Cross further equip lifeguard teams with the necessary skills to save lives.
For More Information:
To learn more about American Red Cross water safety programs, including Learn-to-Swim and lifeguard certification, please contact the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2800 or www.redcrossstl.org.
About the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter:
Founded in 1917, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter celebrates 90 years of dedicated service, providing emergency relief and preparedness training more than 410,000 times each year. The Red Cross is not a government agency and depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers and donors 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. All disaster relief services are provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of the American people. To learn more about Red Cross programs, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help, contact the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2800 or www.redcrossstl.org.
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