CEDAR CITY — Cedar City Council and staff took time from their regular agenda Aug. 16 to thank local heroes involved in three recent rescues at the Cedar City Aquatic Center.
Seven people were recognized, including off-duty Cedar City Firefighter Brenton Ferraro, EMT Paul Maggio and lifeguards Ben Jenkins, Bret Christiansen, Preston Remick, Renee Rodriguez and Kyle Lunt. Ferraro and Maggio were visiting the center as patrons when one of the incidents occurred and were credited with influencing the rescue’s positive outcome.
Cedar City Leisure Services Director Ken Nielson said the Aquatic Center has had a busy summer, and its use continues to increase.
According to a news release from the city, the center hosted over 50,000 visitors between Memorial Day and Aug. 11, and instructors taught 561 swimming lessons in June and July. There were approximately 80 lifeguards on duty during the visitor peak.
“It cannot run without these folks,” Nielson said. “Some of these folks behind us — the lifeguards — perform a great duty for us … We’ve had three incidents this year that had to require lifesaving actions and we want to make sure that we recognize that.”
Aquatic Center Manager Marcie Burrill said that while lifeguards commonly help patrons in smaller ways — like helping someone to the side of the pool — they also participate in training that prepares them for the “hard stuff.” Each lifeguard must complete a 32-hour class and a skills test, with additional in-service training during every shift.
“I always wonder if today’s the day they’re gonna have to do something a little bit harder, but they train well, and I just love them to pieces,” she said. “And I appreciate the help of the public because it’s nice when you have a firefighter or an advanced EMT that come in and help because it takes many of us to do it. So big thank you to them for all they do every day.”
Burrill also assisted in one of the recent saves, Nielson said.
“I didn’t want to fail to mention that either because, fortunately, she was on deck and able to be involved,” he added.
Following their introduction, they posed for a group photo and shook hands with Cedar City Mayor Garth Green, City Council members and staff.
The Aquatic Center has resumed its regular fall hours now that school is in session and is “always recruiting lifeguards,” according to the release.
“The staff is looking forward to continuing to provide excellent service for all who visit,” the release states.
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