Hot Springs lifeguard awarded American Red Cross certificate after pool rescue

The City of Hot Springs and the American Red Cross honored Lillian Broyles on Aug. 5 with a Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action after a June 13, 2024 rescue at Evans Plunge Mineral Springs.

Richard Smith, executive director for the American Red Cross in central and western South Dakota, described the national life‑saving award as a carefully vetted recognition rooted in a trust fund established in 1911 to honor life‑saving actions and first‑aid work. Smith presented Broyles with the certificate and a pin associated with the award.

Broyles, identified in the nomination letter as an Evans Plunge aquatics staff member, was nominated after she entered the water with a rescue tube, towed a submerged and unresponsive elderly patron, repeatedly repositioned him while holding both afloat, and assisted until the patron regained consciousness and left the pool with help. The nomination and subsequent review concluded she acted with ‘‘calm under pressure, quick decision making, and physical endurance.’’

Morris Dodge, the patron who was rescued, attended the meeting and told council members he considers Broyles his ‘‘guardian angel’’ and that his family is deeply grateful. Mayor Bob Nelson read a letter from Dodge recounting his life events and expressing appreciation.

The council also presented a City of Hot Springs lifesaving recognition certificate signed by the mayor and council. Broyles said she did not feel heroic but stressed that training and preparedness made it possible to act when needed.

The Red Cross certificate and the city recognition are commemorative; the Red Cross award follows a national review process and the city certificate was prepared by municipal staff for local recognition. Staff arranged a photo opportunity and requested Broyles’ employer provide names for the minutes.