On December 6, The American Red Cross Broward County Chapter presented BGCBC Lifeguard Victoria Hill with a Red Cross Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders during a ceremony at the Carver Ranches Boys & Girls Club in West Park. Red Cross staff and volunteers gathered to recognize and honor Victoria for her quick and exceptional actions.
Victoria was recognized for her use of Red Cross training and skills to save a young man’s life at the Levine Slaughter Club over the summer. On June 21, Victoria witnessed this young man become distressed in the water before becoming fully submerged. Victoria quickly activated the Emergency Acton Plan (EAP) before entering the pool and determining that he was unresponsive. While 911 was called, Victoria extracted the young man from the water, placed him on the pool deck and started to perform CPR. After a few cycles of chest compressions, the young man’s pulse returned and Emergency Medical Responders arrived and transported the young man to the hospital for further treatment.
This award is given by the Red Cross to individuals or group of individuals who save or sustain a life as part of their employment or while on duty and had an obligation to respond using skills learned in a Red Cross Training Services course.
Upon returning to the Club, the young man was hesitant to get back in the pool. With support and encouragement from his family and Club staff, he enrolled in the swim program and obtained his Level 2 swim certification. He now loves swimming and has the confidence to be in the water safely.
George Coneo, Boys & Girls Club Aquatic Director, Patrick Beason, American Red Cross Aquatics, Paula Prendergast, Executive Director American Red Cross, Victoria Hill, Cynthia Imperato, American Red Cross Board of Director Chair.
