Everyday Heroes

Lifeguards Rule!

Written by Kristine Ripley

Nic Slay nearly drowned at a community pool.

As swimmers enjoy their fun in the sun, lifeguards make sure they are safe and sound. Local Red Cross chapters have recognized several lifeguards with the Lifesaving Award for the Professional Responder that was released in the summer of 2000. Barry Christner, Abby Greiner and Nickolas Peck were among the first to receive the award that is reserved for professionals, who, while on duty, save someone's life using skills learned in a Red Cross health and safety course.

On a sunny day in mid-July at the local community pool in Kalona, Iowa, the lifeguards' heroic events unfolded. Fifteen-year-old Nic Slay became exhausted as he treaded water in an upper-level swim lesson and slipped under the water. Lifeguards Barry Christner and Nickolas Peck were in the water when the lifeguard on duty alerted them to the situation. Nickolas executed an underwater rescue and brought the victim to the surface. With the help of Barry, Nickolas moved Nic onto the pool deck.

Once the guards determined Nic was not breathing, Barry called 911 and lifeguard Abby Greiner established an open airway and began rescue breathing. Unable to detect a pulse, Nickolas and Abby began 2-person CPR, with Nickolas performing chest compressions and Abby giving rescue breaths. Within a minute, the victim began to vomit. Nickolas cleared his airway, allowing Nic to breathe on his own. Abby and Nickolas continued to monitor the victim until paramedics arrived and transported Nic to the hospital. Thanks to the quick and effective actions of the American Red Cross trained lifeguards, he was later released in good condition.

To find out more about becoming a lifeguard or lifeguard instructor, contact your local American Red Cross.

American Red Cross Lifeguarding

More Everyday Heroes Stories