By Bethany Bray Patterson, American Red Cross Regional Communications Manager

Emelia Goddard, the head lifeguard at the Shad Landing pool at Pocomoke River State Park in Snow Hill, Maryland was on her break last July when she noticed a fellow lifeguard enter the water to aid a struggling swimmer who had slipped off the diving board.

The swimmer, who was much larger than the lifeguard, had begun to panic in the water. As she approached, the swimmer grabbed the lifeguard around the neck and they both became submerged and unable to surface for air.

Goddard quickly identified that both the swimmer and lifeguard needed aid, and she entered the water without a second thought. She helped the panicked swimmer onto a rescue tube and then reached under the water to pull up the submerged lifeguard. Goddard then guided both victims to the pool’s edge, where they were helped out of the water.

The swimmer did not need any additional care, however the lifeguard had ingested a significant amount of water and displayed symptoms of shock. Witnesses called 911 for further aid.

Goddard provided first aid and care for shock until responders arrived and transported the lifeguard to the hospital for evaluation; she also contacted the lifeguard’s parents to notify them of the situation.

Both the swimmer and the other lifeguard were okay, thanks to Goddard’s selfless actions, lifesaving skills and quick thinking. She used skills she had learned in the Red Cross lifeguarding, first aid and CPR training course she had taken in 2021.

The bravery and care that Goddard displayed that July day led Ranger Curtis Dale, park manager at Pocomoke River State Park, to nominate her for the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award.

Curtis, along with Goddard’s supervisor, Edward Smith, and Theresa Young, executive director of the American Red Cross of Delmarva happily presented Goddard with her well-deserved lifesaving award in December 2022.

“Emelia saved two lives that day, one of which was a fellow lifeguard,” said Young. “Her actions showed the utmost concern for the lives of others. She is a true hero.”

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The Red Cross has trained lifeguards for more than 100 years, and more than 300,000 people enroll in our courses each year. Lifeguarding candidates can gain the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to emergencies at pools, waterparks and non-surf beaches.

The Red Cross also offers a variety of learn-to-swim, junior lifeguarding, water safety and lifeguard management programs.

Learn more and register: redcross.org/lifeguarding

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On average, more than 4.6 million people a year receive Red Cross training in first aid, water safety and other skills that help save lives. Last year, we honored more than 450 individuals for their heroic efforts resulting in 240 lives saved.

If you know someone who has helped save or sustain a life, nominate them for a Red Cross National Lifesaving Award at redcross.org.