American Red Cross: To honor four lifeguards and their instructor for saving boy’s life at Brodhead pool

BRODHEAD, Wis. (Nov. 20, 2023) – On Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, lifeguards Madisyn Kail, Tyra Lehman, Addison Swan, Jaelyn Hillard and their lifeguard instructor, David Gissing, will be honored by the American Red Cross of Wisconsin Southwest Chapter for helping to save the life of a boy who was drowning at the Brodhead Pool. The awards presentation will take place at 9 a.m. at the Brodhead Library,1207 25th St. in Brodhead.

While working at the Brodhead pool on June 14, 2023, the lifeguard team rescued a drowning boy. When Lehman and Swan pulled the boy out of the water, he was not breathing and did not have a pulse. Kail immediately started cardiopulmonary compressions (CPR) on the boy and Hillard called 911. The youth started breathing and regained consciousness and EMT arrived
and took over care. Thanks to the quick-thinking group the boy is alive today.

“I had the good fortune to train the girls in lifesaving skills,” said David Gissing. “It’s an honor for me to teach the next generation lifeguarding skills. I was a lifeguard at this same pool years ago and I can’t put into words how important it is to have these skills. I am proud of the girls and their families, and I am humbled to see them recognized for helping to save a life.”

Kail, Lehman, Swan, and Hillard will receive the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders. This is the highest award given to an individual, or team of individuals, who saves or sustains a life, outside of a medical setting, as part of their employment or while on duty and had an obligation to respond. Gissing will receive the American Red Cross Lifesaving Instructor Award. This is one of the highest awards given by the American Red Cross to instructors who teach the skills that help to save or sustain lives.

Red Cross training courses are developed and taught by experts and ensure you can provide life-saving care when it’s needed most. A variety of online, blended (online and in-person skills session) and classroom courses are available. Visit redcross.org/takeaclass and sign up today to get certified in First Aid, CPR and AED.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.