The shores of Cochituate Lake at Cochituate State Park in Natick offer visitors many ways to enjoy summer activities like swimming, kayaking and boating. And visitors can enjoy themselves knowing they have lifesavers on staff at the park.

This past July, a young woman nearly drown in Cochituate Lake, but thanks to quick actions from fellow beach goers and park staff, her life was saved by first aid and CPR training.

Maddie Olstein and Cole Murphy both worked at the state park this past July and were notified by frantic bystanders that a woman had been pulled from the water, who had apparently drowned.

With their training, Maddie and Cole were able to work with family members to give CPR to the woman, who began coughing up water after resuscitation efforts began. Both Maddie and Cole remained with the woman until emergency responders arrived and took over efforts.

Maddie and Cole were recognized for their lifesaving efforts in Dedham by members of the Red Cross of Massachusetts. Holly Grant, the Massachusetts Regional Executive, presented Maddie and Cole with their Red Cross Lifesaving Awards, joined by their families and 50 Red Crossers from across Massachusetts.

Being able to help people in need builds stronger communities. The lifesaving skills Maddie and Cole had were part of a one-day training were they received CPR, AED and first aid training. They had the training and were able to go into action to help save a life.

We want to say congratulations to Maddie Olstein and Cole Murphy for their actions that day in July, knowing a person will be able to enjoy another summer day thanks to their training and bravery.