Lifeguards honored for saving a 4-year-old girl from nearly drowning at Phoenix pool

The Phoenix Fire Department honored the lifeguards who helped save a child from drowning at a public swimming pool in Phoenix in a ceremony on Tuesday.

On Memorial Day, fire crews were called to Cortez Pool near Dunlap and 35th avenues in north Phoenix for a drowning incident. They found lifeguards administering CPR to a 4-year-old girl who had been pulled out of the water.

The girl was transported to a hospital in stable condition and survived her injuries.

"Not only do we get to celebrate a 4-year-old, who is still alive and with us today, we also get to recognize the lifeguards and aquatic staff that made this happen," said Public Information Officer Kim Ragsdale, a spokesperson for the fire department, who opened the event.

Different speakers praised the Cortez Pool lifeguards, assistant managers and cashier for their work in rescuing the girl. The staff was then recognized and presented with certificates.

Councilwoman Ann O'Brien, who represents Phoenix Council District 1, said that she grew up swimming at Cortez Pool. She said she recognized the unique responsibility lifeguards have, often at a young age.

"Often when we think of first responders, our minds immediately go to police and firefighters," she said. "But at our public pools, lifeguards are our first responders. And you all saved a life."

Phoenix Parks & Recreation Director Cynthia Aguilar noted that the hiring and training process for both lifeguards and managers can be stressful.

"As you know, we are struggling to hire lifeguards, and we're doing all that we can to open these pools and open them in a way that is safe," she said. "You demonstrated your commitment and responsibility to not just to work any job in the summer, but to work a job that truly makes a difference."

The ceremony was live streamed and can be viewed on the City of Phoenix YouTube page.

Here's what first responders say about water safety

The Phoenix Fire Department has reported eight drowning deat hs for children five and under as of July 2024. That's double the amount of children five and under drowning deaths reported for the entire year of 2023, which totaled to four.

Officials provided ways to keep your kids safe around the pool:

• Install an approved barrier to separate a pool from the rest of the residence.
• Maintain lifesaving devices like a hook, pole or floatation device nearby.
• Never leave children unattended around water or a pool.
• Take steps to ensure an enclosed pool cannot be accessed with chairs, tables or ladders.
• Do not allow children to play in the pool area.
• Store toys far away from any water.

Annie Goodykoontz is a reporter for The Arizona Republic. You can reach her at AGoodykoontz@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Lifeguards honored for saving a 4-year-old girl from nearly drowning at Phoenix pool