Lifeguards Honored For Saving Life Of Man Who Trained Them

CLEARWATER, FL — Five Clearwater lifeguards were presented the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award after saving the life of the man who trained them.

In October at the Morningside Recreation Complex, 2400 Harn Blvd., lifeguards Jonathan House, Cameron Gasky, Noah Barker, William Armstrong IV and Dannah Fuller rescued 66-year-old Clifford Patterson, who suffered a heart attack while swimming. The lifeguards pulled Patterson from the water and perform CPR on him. Doctors say their quick thinking saved his life.

What makes this story even more special is the lifeguards that rescued Patterson were also trained by Patterson. In fact, Armstrong rescued Patterson during a mock drowning exercise just a few months before the real rescue. They said the training by Patterson guided their actions when faced with an actual emergency.

Keeping people safe in the water is a top priority for the City of Clearwater. The offers affordable swim lessons year-round. Thanks to a donation from the Long Center Foundation, beginner group swim lessons start at $10.