Greater Vernon Recreation Services has earned provincial accolades for its efforts in first aid training.
A number of awards were handed out when the BC and Yukon Branch of the Lifesaving Society Canada hosted its annual general meeting recently. Through training done at the Vernon Aquatic Centre, Recreation Services won a 2021 Affiliate Award for having the most first aid courses and aquatic re-certifications taught in a community, among those with a population of 20,000 to 50,000.
Aquatics leader Craig Short was asked to receive the award on behalf of the department.
“Craig was a key player in helping to achieve this outstanding accomplishment,” said Doug Ross, director of 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.”
Helping to secure the award was a recent initiative between the city’s aquatics department and its Occupational Health and Safety department. Through the initiative, certified aquatics staff provided first aid training to the city’s first aid attendants. In all, 30 attendants were trained.
Lifesaving Society Canada is one of the five leading agencies providing first aid in Canada.
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