Greater Vernon Recreation Services has been recognized at a provincial level for its efforts in first aid training for staff and in the community.
On March 25, the BC & Yukon Branch of the Lifesaving Society Canada hosted its annual general meeting. As part of that meeting, a number of awards were presented.
Recreation Services, through the Vernon Aquatic Centre, won a 2021 Affiliate Award for the most first aid courses and aquatic re-certifications taught in a community, with a population of 20,000 – 50,000.
“While our entire aquatics team shares this award, Craig Short, one of our aquatic leaders, was asked to receive it on behalf of the department. Craig was a key player in helping to achieve this outstanding accomplishment,” said Doug Ross, Director, Recreation Services. “Craig is a certified National Lifesaving Trainer, a certified first aid instructor, and a certified paramedic. Not only did Craig help promote these training efforts, but he also provided the instruction for many of our first aid courses last year. We are extremely proud of Craig and the entire aquatics team for this well-deserved recognition.”
Another contributing factor to Vernon receiving the award was a recent initiative between the City’s Recreation Services Aquatics department and its Occupational Health and Safety department, through which certified aquatics staff provided all the first aid training to City of Vernon first aid attendants. The initiative helped train 30 first aid attendants, and further demonstrated the City’s commitment to safety for all its staff.
The Lifesaving Society Canada is recognized as Canada’s lifeguarding experts and one of the five leading agencies in providing first aid.
Craig Short, Aquatics Leader, receives a 2021 Lifesaving Society BC & Yukon Branch Affiliate Award from Mayor Victor Cumming at the Regular Council meeting of April 25, 2022.
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