Guest post by Shelby Rushton
Edited by Christian Bates-Hardy
At Government House, the Honourable Russ Mirasty, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, presented the awards on behalf of the Society. Her Honour Donna Mirasty was also in attendance. The Saskatchewan Safety Council received an Honourary Associate Certificate, the YMCA’s of Regina and Saskatoon each received a Commonwealth Certificate of Thanks, and the City of Prince Albert receive the Commonwealth President’s Award. This was only the second time that an organization in Saskatchewan has received the President’s Award.
Several individuals were honoured for their brave actions during three separate water rescue incidents in the province. The three incidents took place at Boundary Dam near Estevan, Lake Diefenbaker, and Buffalo Pound Provincial Park. All three incidents occurred in the water. The incident at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park (July 2018) involved two victims with one of the victims being successfully rescued. Unfortunately, one of the victims did not survive.
2019 Rescue Commendation Recipients
Buffalo Pound Provincial Park rescue – Andrew Latta of Moose Jaw, Stacey Mead of Regina
Boundary Dam Rescue – Dean Karcha of Estevan
Lake Diefenbaker Rescue – Arron McLean of Lloydminster, Sheldon Funk of Saskatoon
Volunteer Honour Awards
The Lifesaving Society also recognized the contributions of its outstanding volunteers by presenting several Volunteer Honour Awards at the ceremony, including two Saskatchewan Branch awards and awards from the Royal Life Saving Society Commonwealth office in England.
Sue Sadler, Rocanville
John Hepting, Moose Jaw
Curtis Dumont, Moose Jaw
Nicole Jerkovits, Regina
Tiffany Blampied, Regina
Michaela Leimgardt, Regina
Rebecca Newson, Saskatoon
Kendria Symak, Saskatoon/Martensville
Steven Bidaux, Saskatoon
Lauren Haubrich, Prince Albert
About the Lifesaving Society
The Lifesaving Society, also known as the Royal Life Saving Society Canada, has been teaching swimming, water safety and water rescue since 1891 when we first established in Canada. Her Majesty, the Queen, is the patron of the Society.
The Lifesaving Society’s mission is the prevention of drowning and other water-related injuries. We are a national, not-for-profit and charitable organization; our Saskatchewan Branch serves Saskatchewan residents as they work and play on, in or near the water.
Provincial Recreation Associations like the Lifesaving Society provide grassroots recreation opportunities throughout the province and are integral to the continued growth and sustainability of the recreation community.
For more information, contact:
Shelby Rushton
CEO, Lifesaving Society
Regina
Phone: (306) 780-9255
