Snohomish Aquatic Center lifeguards Grace Rhodes (right) and Hayleigh Tramm (left) received awards May 21 for using CPR and a defibrillator to rescue a boy from the pool.
courtesy Snohomish Fire District 4
SNOHOMISH — Teenage lifeguards at the Snohomish Aquatic Center received a Life Saving award in May by Snohomish Fire District 4 after rescuing a young boy in danger of drowning.
On March 16, 16-year-old lifeguard Grace Rhodes noticed a young boy in the pool who seemingly was in danger. Rhodes pulled the unconscious boy quickly out of the water and immediately applied CPR using safety training she had learned in local CPR classes. After
clearing other swimmers out of the pool, nearby lifeguard Hayleigh Tramm retrieved an AED (automated external defibrillator), just in time to save the boy’s life. She followed the instructions that were being shouted by
the AED and used it successfully without hesitation.
The boy was back to breathing on his own by the time emergency services arrived.
“It was a reminder of what we actually do at our job and also that I can trust myself in situations and know that my training has worked,” Tramm said.
Tramm was trained at the Lake Stevens pool, although she has gained most of her experience while working at the Snohomish Aquatic Center for the last three years.
Snohomish Fire District #4 awarded her and the rest of the lifeguarding team that helped with the save for their quick thinking and bravery. Members of the fire district are proud of the lifeguards involved, as CPR is a crucial skill that they wish more people would know.
Lifeguarding is a very common job among teenagers, with good pay and with somewhat simple expectations: Make sure swimmers are alive and following safety protocols. Future lifeguards must go through rigorous training in CPR and water safety, even if they never end up using it in their job. But in the one instance that an accident occurs, being prepared and trained is vital.
“I recommend everyone take CPR training,” Snohomish Fire Lt. Chris Jorve said. “The chances are low of ever having to use these skills. But if you do, there is a 70+% chanceit will be on a family member or close friend. By having the knowledge of how to do CPR, you could help save a life.”
CPR training classes are easily accessible. They can be found at local fire departments, private companies, regional companies, such as the Red Cross, and even many high schools. As it may take some time for
emergency responders to reach a scene, having someone who is trained can make a huge impact on the situation. Every second counts when it comes to saving a life.
