Life Saving Victoria presented Geelong Leisurelink rescuers with “Everyday Lifesaver” awards on Friday 5 December, congratulating them on their quick actions.

In September Geelong Leisurelink member Garry Simpson suffered from a heart attack while swimming laps at the centre and has recently returned to the pool to thank the team that saved his life.
Four of the centre’s lifeguards – Peter Claffey, Ashlea Smith, Imogen Brough and Lee Murray together with off-duty fire fighter Justin Craven were awarded as “Everyday Lifesavers” at the reunion, for their quick actions to save Mr Simpson’s life.

Lifeguard Ashlea Smith spotted Mr Simpson appearing to be having a seizure in the 25 metre deep lap swimming pool and quickly alerted her colleagues for assistance. Ms Smith and Mr Claffey recovered the unconscious Mr Simpson from the water using a spinal board.

Upon discovering that he wasn’t breathing, Mr Claffey commenced resuscitation as fellow lifeguards Ashlea Smith and Imogen Brough recovered and applied an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), while Lee Murray called 000 and met paramedics. Off duty fire fighter Justin Craven, also offered his service and provided assistance with CPR compressions. The team performed CPR, applied the defibrillator and delivered one shock before MICA paramedics arrived and took over treatment.

Mr Simpson is believed to have been clinically dead for approximately 40 minutes before being revived and stabilised at the centre. He was then transported to hospital in Geelong, where he was admitted to intensive care. Mr Simpson spent four days in hospital following the heart attack and has since made full recovery. “I am so thankful for the staff on hand at Leisurelink. The team were fully prepared. They were ready for action. They truly saved my life,” Mr Simpson said.

Life Saving Victoria Manager Commercial Services Andy Dennis who presented the “Everyday Lifesaver” awards said that this was a terrific team effort to a critical situation. “Providing first aid quickly, before emergency responders arrive, can make the difference between life and death,”
Mr Dennis said. “Resuscitation is all about early access, early CPR and early defibrillation. Being able to provide this Article 5 | LSV News December 2014 treatment before paramedics arrive can increase chances of survival significantly.”

“Emergencies like this can happen every day, so we encourage all Victorians to become “Everyday Lifesavers” by doing training in first aid and CPR.” “You are also particularly vulnerable if you are in the water if a medical emergency like a heart attack occurs.”

“That’s why it is so important never to swim alone and wherever possible, to swim at a pool or patrolled beach where lifeguards are not only looking out for you in the water, but also trained to act quickly in an emergency,” Mr Dennis said.

City of Greater Geelong Councillor Jock Irvine who holds a portfolio for Sport & Recreation is thrilled to recognise local Geelong heroes. “Incidents such as these show just how important and how vital basic first aid knowledge skills are,” Cr Irvine said.

“I am glad our talented lifeguards at Leisurelink were on hand and prepared with the adequate training and skills needed to save a life.”
“I applaud these local heroes for their efforts and I urge more Geelong residents to complete first aid training,” Cr Irvine said.

Life Saving Victoria today honoured a team of ‘Everyday Lifesavers’ from Splashdown, Geelong for saving the life of Bevan Kaberry who suffered a heart attack while swimming laps at the centre on Wednesday 14 January.
Noticing Mr Kaberry in the middle of the pool shortly after opening, Splashdown Lifeguard Holly McPhee directed a close-by patron to bring Mr Kaberry to the edge of the pool, by which time Splashdown Customer Service Coordinator Gail Richards was waiting to assist.

Together they removed Mr Kaberry, who was unconscious, from the water and discovered that he wasn’t breathing. The pair then began CPR while Receptionist Michele Kayler-Thomson called 000.

Off-duty Nurse Adriana Canning also offered assistance with compressions, allowing the staff to apply the defibrillator. The team continued CPR and delivered two defibrillation shocks before paramedics arrived.
Paramedics commended the team of ‘Everyday Lifesavers’ for their quick and efficient actions to save Mr Kaberry’s life.

Councillor John Irvine who holds the portfolio for Sport & Recreation said he is extremely proud of their actions.
“The team acted quickly and confidently to deal with one of the toughest situations they could encounter while at work and it shows how vital first aid training is,” said Cr Irvine.
Acting General Manager of Projects, Recreation & Central Geelong Paul Jane also praised those involved.
“Our lifeguards train extensively for this type of incident, however in real-life it is an extremely high pressure situation. Everyone involved did an amazing job and managed to remain calm and worked together to help save Mr Kaberry’s life,” said Mr Jane.

Life Saving Victoria Manager Commercial Services Andy Dennis congratulated the group on their quick actions.
“This was a terrific team effort to respond to a critical situation,” Mr Dennis said.
“Providing first aid quickly, before emergency responders arrive, can make the difference between life and death. Resuscitation is all about early access, early CPR and early defibrillation.
“This incident highlights that being able to provide this treatment before paramedics arrive can increase chances of survival significantly. Well done to our Everyday Lifesavers, Mr Kaberry wouldn’t be with us today without your quick actions.”

Four brave young lifeguards have been recognised for their efforts to save the life of a 60-year-old man who lost consciousness while swimming at Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre (PARC) earlier this year.
The four lifeguards have been congratulated at a presentation at the facility today, where LSV Acting General Manager Commercial Services Andy Dennis presented the team with LSV Everyday Lifesaver commendation.
PARC Operations Manager James Sileni said the lifeguards deserved recognition for their quick response and knowledge of the environment.

“The lifeguards acted quickly to recognise the emergency situation, perform the rescue and commenced resuscitation. It was a wonderful team effort” Mr Sileni said.
The emergency occurred on 21 March, when the man was spotted by staff having stopped moving mid-lap, lying face down in the water.

Lifeguard Lachlan Fitzgerald was the first responder, quickly identifying the patient was in trouble and signalling for help from fellow Lifeguard Robert Keeney, as Lachlan entered the water and towed the patient to the pool’s edge, with the help of another swimmer.

Keeney and Fitzgerald commenced CPR, while Miranda Thorning arrived with oxygen and the defibrillator, which were promptly applied to the patient. Thanks to the quick response, the defibrillator advised that no shock be administered as the patient was showing signs of life.

A fourth lifeguard, Tom Veale assisted in ensuring the safety of the other swimmers and crowd control.
LSV Acting General Manager Commercial Services Andy Dennis said that he was “privileged to have the opportunity to meet the team and ensure that the received the recognition which they deserved”. He said that “the actions of the lifeguards were the difference between life and death and the speed, technique and professionalism of the team led to the best possible.” He advised that “drowning situations are about seconds, not minutes and that the window of opportunity is extremely small, highlighting again just how impressive the response of the team was”. Mr Dennis also paid tribute to the approach of the facility Management team “who gave the lifeguards the best possible opportunity to be trained and prepared to deal with emergency situations.”

Young Lifeguards Reunited With Woman They Revived At Pool

Two lifeguards from the Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre will today be presented with Everyday Lifesaver Awards.

Sarah Roberts and Justin Matheson, both aged 21, were on duty at GESAC on March 8 this year, when a 66-year-old woman fell ill following an aqua class.

Helen Gardiner complained of feeling light headed and shortly after collapsed.

Sarah and Justin placed Helen into the recovery position and when she stopped breathing, they commenced CPR.

Following instructions from a medical professional on the phone, the lifeguards performed compressions and when Helen regained consciousness, they monitored her until emergency responders arrived.

Helen was transported to hospital for further treatment and has since recovered.

Sarah said she was thankful she was able to help Helen.

“We were just doing our job and performed to the best of our ability on the day,” Sarah said.

Justin said they worked well as a team.

“I’m just glad Helen is ok and it’s good to think we helped her and prolonged her life,” Justin said.

Life Saving Victoria Commercial Service Delivery Manager Andy Dennis commended Sarah and Justin’s actions.

“Providing first aid quickly, before emergency responders arrive, can make the difference between life and death,” Mr Dennis said.

Resuscitation is all about early access, early CRP and early defibrillation. Being able to provide this treatment before paramedics arrive can increase chances of survival significantly.

Our pool lifeguards know this, are trained for this and as a result, save lives.”

Life Saving Victoria encourages all Victorians to become Everyday Lifesavers by doing training in first aid and CPR.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY:

WHAT:Everyday Lifesaver Awards Presentation

WHEN:10.30am Tuesday May 24

WHERE:Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre
200 E Boundary Road, Bentleigh East

WHO:Lifeguards Sarah Roberts & Justin Matheson
Helen Gardiner
Life Saving Victoria’s Andy Dennis

For further information call LSV Media on 0411 193 962

Lifeguards and swimmers recognised for quick response

Embargoed: Monday 1 February, 2016

The City of Melbourne and Life Saving Victoria have recognised members of the public and lifeguards who worked together to save the life of Mohamad Alhaw, who suffered a seizure while swimming at the North Melbourne Recreation Centre on Sunday 10 January 2016.
Lily Desormeaux, Aleisha Whitson, and Mikaela Whitson were swimming in the 25 metre pool when they noticed that 11 year old Mohamad was floating on his stomach in the water and was unresponsive.

They alerted lifeguards Dylan Thorn and Harrison Leech who got Mohamad out of the water and immediately checked his airways and breathing.

Lifeguard James Weston and receptionist Georgia Garner called 000 and were assisted by lifeguards Jasper Kinder, Juan Lopez, and David Read. The team worked to clear 130 patrons from the pool and provided assistance to Mohamad’s mother Ranei Chkhi until paramedics arrived.

The quick actions of the patrons and the staff on duty meant CPR was not required. Mohamad was taken to hospital and has now made a full recovery.

Today Lord Mayor Robert Doyle presented the lifeguards and community members with a Life Saving Victoria Everyday Lifesaver Awards.

“Everyone involved acted quickly and confidently to deal with one of the toughest situations they could encounter while at work,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Their calm and efficient actions helped to save Mohamad’s life. Our lifeguards train extensively to prevent drownings, however in real life it is an extremely high pressure situation.

“We would like to offer Mohamad and his mother free swimming lessons to encourage them both back to the pool and to ensure they feel safe and confident in the water again.”

Life Saving Victoria General Manager Commercial Services Andy Dennis congratulated the group on their quick actions.

“Providing first aid quickly, before emergency services arrive, can make the difference between life and death,” Mr Dennis said.

“This incident highlights that being able to provide this treatment before paramedics arrive can increase chances of survival significantly. It also shows why supervision of children in aquatic environments is so important.”

The Royal Life Saving Society has reported that 59 people were the victims of fatal drownings between 1 December 2015 and 18 January 2016. Tragically, this is a 16 per cent increase on the same period last year.

For more information call (03) 9658 9658 or visit: melbourne.vic.gov.au