Providence lifeguards honored for saving swimmer’s life

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department honored four lifeguards at the Providence Rec Center on July 16 “for their extraordinary actions during a water emergency,” the Park Authority reports.

Lifeguards Michaela Zawadzki, Juliet Raimando, and Anna Parker, along with Manager on Duty Jeremy Alexander, responded immediately after a swimmer became unresponsive in the pool in May.

Following their emergency action plan, staff quickly removed the individual from the water, cleared the pool, initiated CPR and chest compressions, and deployed an automated external defibrillator before Fire and Rescue personnel arrived.

“This incident is a powerful reminder of the importance of rigorous training, teamwork, and preparedness,” said Park Authority Deputy Director Sara Baldwin. “Michaela, Juliet, Anna and Jeremy remained calm under pressure and put their lifesaving skills into action when every second mattered. We are incredibly proud of the work our aquatics staff do every day to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community.”

After first responders arrived, the swimmer began to recover. “The swift actions, professionalism and training demonstrated by the recreation center staff played a critical role in the successful outcome,” the Park Authority says.

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