MEDIA ADVISORY For Immediate Release

July 29, 2013

Media Relations Unit Denver Police Department 1331 Cherokee Street, Room 402 Denver, CO 80204-2720 Phone: 720-913-6028 Fax: 720-913-7029

Correction: While there was a Special Olympics class underway at the pool at the time of the rescue, the distressed swimmer was there for the general session and not part of the Special Olympics Young men to be honored for coming to the assistance of a distressed swimmer taking part in a Special Olympics class at the Hiawatha Davis Recreation Center

Program includes presentation of Bill Daniels Neighborhood Hero Awards

Who: Victor Richardson and Isaac Garcia, lifeguards at Hiawatha Davis Recreation Center. Denver Police Chief Robert White Gretchen Burdekin, Red Cross Division Program Manager for Aquatics Linda Childears, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund

What: Victor Richardson and Isaac Garcia will be recognized by Chief White for coming to the aid of a distressed swimmer last May (see synopsis below). The young men will each receive a surprise check as part of the Bill Daniels Neighborhood Hero Award. There will also be a brief presentation by the Mile High Chapter of the American Red Cross on the lifesaving importance of knowing CPR and water safety, followed by a live demo of CPR.

When: 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 30, 2013.

Where: Hiawatha Davis Recreation Center, 3334 Holly Street, Denver, Colorado.

Why: Victor and Isaacs actions are heroic, inspiring, and embody the spirit of preparedness for emergency situations.

Visuals: Speeches, award and check presentation Live demonstration of the CPR skills used to assist the swimmer

Synopsis: On Saturday, 05/12/2013 at approximately noon, Victor Richardson and Isaac Garcia were working as life guards at the Hiawatha Davis Recreation Center, located at 3334 Holly Street, Denver. In the pool were open swimmers, individuals that were training, and a Special Olympics group. Isaac was monitoring open swim participants in the deep end of the pool when he noticed an individual at the bottom of the pool under the slide. Isaac got Victors attention and yelled out for someone to call 911. Victor and Isaac worked together to rescue the swimmer and pull him out onto the pool deck. The two quickly evaluated the boys condition. Victor checked for a pulse and found that he had a pulse, but was unconscious and not breathing. Victor started to give him rescue breaths at this point. Meanwhile, Isaac ran to the front desk to ensure that 911 had been called and to get EMS en route. After approximately 2 rescue breaths, he coughed a little bit and started breathing. He then opened his eyes and had his eyes wide open like he was shocked as to what was taking place. By this time Isaac had returned and both Victor and Isaac started talking to him trying to calm him down. He at this time was conscious, but was in a daze and was just turning his head from side to side and not speaking. He then started breathing rapidly, but did not appear to be fully oriented. Victor and Isaac then continued to calm him down by speaking with him in a calm and deliberate tone. A very short time later, paramedics arrived and took over the situation and started to evaluate his condition. Victor and Isaac advised the paramedics of what had taken place and he was ultimately transported to Childrens Hospital. We would like to congratulate these young men for their actions to ensure a very special life was not ended on that early summer day.