On Sept. 23, a 7-year-old at The Cove became unresponsive in the water and was rescued by a combination of lifeguards and bystanders, city staff told the Sierra Vista City Council on Oct. 23. The child was breathing by the time emergency services arrived and was able to state her name and answer questions at the hospital.

The City presented formal recognition in council chambers for the rapid response. According to the presentation, swim club coach Katie Navarro was the first to notice the child in distress and entered the pool to assist. Lifeguard Ulrich Lipscomb removed the child from the water and lifeguards Nathan Gluck and Jocelyn Hite and bystander Daniel Turner — identified in the presentation as a former firefighter and EMT — began administering CPR while other staff called 911, cleared the pool and retrieved lifesaving equipment. Additional lifeguards identified in the presentation were Brianna Kelly, Spencer McDowell and Matthew Venuti.

City staff said police arrived within about two minutes and emergency medical personnel transported the child to the hospital. Presenters told council the child was responsive and able to answer questions before transport.

The presentation noted that the Cirrus Aquatic Center at The Cove is an American Red Cross licensed training provider and that the local chapter has submitted nominations for Red Cross lifesaving awards. The city said certificates of merit have been approved for Brianna Kelly and Nathan Gluck and that Jocelyn Hite will receive a professional lifesaving award; local staff said the national approval and presentation process takes several months and that the certificate of merit is signed at the national level. Council members and public safety leaders acknowledged the group on the council dais and with tokens of appreciation.

The city presentation credited the coordinated actions of trained staff and proactive bystanders with stabilizing the child and giving her the best chance of recovery. No official disciplinary or policy actions were discussed during the recognition.

Council members said they appreciated the lifesaving efforts and noted the event as an example of community preparedness and quick action by trained staff and volunteers.