News Flash

 NORFOLK, VA – On September 1, 2018, City of Norfolk lifeguards responded to a spinal medical emergency at the Sarah Constant Beach in Ocean View.  A 31-year old swimmer had attempted to flip from an elevated drainage pipe into shallow water.

Lifeguard Lieutenants Courtney Hutchens and Madeline Solano and Lifeguards Beatty Barnes and Robert Warren immediately stabilized the injured swimmer. The immediate treatment from the lifeguards with the appropriate care enabled Norfolk Fire-Recue to spend less time on the scene and ultimately resulted in a quicker transport to the emergency room.

“The ability of these lifeguards to provide immediate attention and treatment as a possible spinal cord injury to this swimmer with such precision and teamwork was exemplary and prevented further damage,” said Darrell Crittendon, Director of Recreation, Parks and Open Space (RPOS).

All emergency action plans, communication standards and protocols were met during this incident.

In recognition for their life-saving work, these lifeguards were awarded 2018 Dr. Frank Pia Lifesaving Awards at the Virginia Lifeguard Association Annual Aquatic Management Symposium on February 15, 2019. In addition to this award, they were also presented Norfolk Fire-Rescue Awards for the same incident last fall.

Picture Caption: (l.to r.)

LT Madeline Salano, Captain Desiree Joseph, LT Courtney Hutchens accept the award on behalf of their team.