SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — Sept. 26, 2026 — The American Red Cross Central Coast Chapter honored seven individuals from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with Certificates of Extraordinary Personal Action for their response to a medical emergency that helped save a guest’s life.

The awards recognize Kaira Aldape Duran, August Eymann, Yesenia Rocha Fernandez, Chelsea Jones, Kara Kelly, Jairo Rocha, and Emma Zappone for their actions following an emergency at the Boardwalk on Aug. 9, 2025.

Boardwalk security was notified of a guest who was unresponsive and immediately mobilized security officers and first aid team members while contacting local emergency responders. Staff members quickly assessed the situation and worked together to provide lifesaving care, including CPR, until additional emergency personnel arrived. Their coordinated response ultimately helped save the guest’s life.

“We often think of a lifesaving effort as the person who performed CPR, but this incident, like so many others, shows that saving a life often depends on a network of people using their training and taking action as a team,” said Dave Sieburg, interim executive director of the American Red Cross Central Coast Chapter. “From recognizing the emergency and dispatching help to providing care, each person had a role in giving this guest a chance to survive.”

The Red Cross Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action recognizes individuals who step up during an emergency and help save or sustain a life. The award honors people who use lifesaving skills but were not trained by the Red Cross.

The actions of the seven Boardwalk employees demonstrate the importance of being prepared to respond when an emergency happens. Quick recognition, communication, CPR, and other lifesaving skills can become critical links in the response before professional emergency medical care arrives.

Get Trained

Red Cross training gives people the knowledge and skills to act in an emergency and save a life. A variety of online, blended (online and in-person skills session), and classroom courses are available at redcross.org/takeaclass.

Nominate Somone

If you or someone you know has used skills and knowledge learned in an American Red Cross Training Services course to help save or sustain the life of another individual, visit LifesavingAwards.org to nominate, recognize, or be inspired.

About American Red Cross Central Coast Chapter

With offices in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties, the American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, visit our website at redcross.org/centralcoast or call us at (831) 624-6921. You may also find us on Facebook.