Borough of Waldwick honors five lifeguards for separate life‑saving rescues at pool

Mayor Gordano on Tuesday honored five young lifeguards from the Waldwick Pool for separate rescues this summer that borough officials said averted serious harm to children.

"You all should be very proud of yourselves," Mayor Gordano told the crowd as he described each incident and presented certificates. The borough recognized Melanie, Joseph, Jessica, Isabella and Haley for rescuing children who had become submerged or stopped swimming between June 13 and Aug. 10, 2025.

The rescues, described by the mayor, included: Melanie intervening on July 4 after a child who jumped into the three‑foot area did not resurface; Joseph performing a submerged‑victim rescue on July 10 in the shallow end; Isabella and Jessica teaming up on Aug. 3 to recover a boy who failed to resurface while swimming across a lane; and Haley performing three separate rescues (June 13 and two incidents on July 10) including an "active drowning front rescue," according to the mayor's account. Borough officials said all children were retrieved without serious injury.

The mayor thanked the lifeguards, their parents and borough recreation staff and called the young rescuers "assets to the borough." He also reminded residents that pool season continues through Labor Day and that the borough will circulate a season‑end survey about pool operations.

The recognitions were part of the governing body's regular meeting and were followed by committee reports and routine business. No formal policy changes related to pool staffing or lifeguard training were introduced during the meeting; borough officials said public‑safety and recreation staff will continue to monitor operations.

The borough plans to keep honoring staff and volunteers who provide public‑safety services at community facilities, officials said.