Lifeguard Teams Honored for Heroic Rescues in Zimbabwe River and New Jersey Pool

In Zimbabwe, the 501 Lifeguard team received praise after a tragic river search that ended in a drowning. Team members abandoned their swimming classes to assist, with instructor Tevin Conorque describing the deep, murky conditions and the effort to retrieve the body. Owner Andrew Gentle highlighted the crew’s quick response, and Rear Admiral Gregory Soberanis of the Belize Coast Guard noted the coordinated dive operation under challenging river conditions.

In Newark, New Jersey, two lifeguards at Saint Peter’s Park Recreation Center saved a 13‑year‑old autistic boy who suffered a seizure in the pool. Lifeguard Rafaela Cura performed chest compressions and ventilations until the boy regained a pulse, and lifeguard Kyla Dixon Hammond helped place him in the recovery position. Mayor Ras Baraka commended the lifeguards for their swift action and professionalism, noting the teen was taken to the hospital breathing and alert.