Three Flint Creek lifeguards honored for life-saving actions

WIGGINS, Miss. (WXXV)- Three lifeguards at Flint Creek Water Park were honored during a ceremony at Stone High School for their quick thinking and life-saving actions.

Three lifeguards, one life-saving response.

Carson Amaker, Addy Breland, and Stewart Smith were recognized for their courage and quick actions during an emergency at Flint Creek Water Park on May 17.

The three responded to an emergency that required an immediate water rescue and CPR.

Their training, teamwork, and ability to act under pressure helped save a life. Flint Creek Water Park Manager Stewart Smith said, “It was all surreal, looking back like did that just happen? But the muscle memory, the training that was provided it all came back.”

All three lifeguards received the American Red Cross’ highest national Award of Merit for professional responders who save a life while on duty.

It’s a recognition of three individuals who put their training into action when every second mattered. Kendra Ladnier said, “Not only them being seniors in high school but to also credit their parents and guardians and also Flint Creek for instilling the proper training to let them know not to freak out when an emergency happens and none of them did. They all stayed calm, cool, and collected. They remembered all of their training that was instilled by the water park and we’ll never be able to thank Flint Creek Water Park as well.”

Their actions serve as a reminder of just how important lifeguard training and water safety can be and how quick thinking can make the difference between life and death.