Southborough honors seasonal supervisor after Heimlich saves 6-year-old camper

The Southborough Select Board on July 15 presented a “Bravery in Action” citation to recreation site supervisor Erin Navaroli for performing the Heimlich maneuver on a 6-year-old camper who was choking on July 2.

The recognition came during the Select Board’s regular meeting as the board thanked seasonal staff and the recreation department for their emergency response and training. The board’s commendation noted the staffer’s “swift, decisive, and lifesaving actions.”

Christina McCarthy, Southborough Recreation program coordinator, told the board that on Wednesday, July 2, at approximately 10:30 a.m. during snack time a 6‑year‑old camper signaled she was choking, “hands on her throat and her face turning red.” McCarthy said Erin Navaroli “immediately sprang into action and began performing the Heimlich maneuver.” McCarthy added that Navaroli followed up with back blows and then comforted the frightened camper; an incident report was completed and the child’s parents were notified, who expressed “their utmost appreciation.”

Travis Farley, Southborough’s recreation director, said the department was “very, very fortunate” to have Navaroli on staff and praised the seasonal training that prepares staff for emergencies. Navaroli herself told the board, “I’m just very fortunate that I was there,” and noted that the child knew the universal hand signal for choking.

The board read the citation aloud and presented the certificate at the meeting. The recreation director also used the opportunity to announce upcoming summer concerts and related community events.

No formal town action was required for the commendation; the presentation was ceremonial and part of the chair’s report.