City of Rochester Parks & Recreation Lifeguards Receive National Lifesaving Award

The City of Rochester Parks & Recreation Department recognized two lifeguards, Matias Vega and Eoin Porrata, for their lifesaving actions. Sam Sonnabend, Red Cross lifeguard instructor and former City of Rochester outdoor pools manager, was also recognized for his role in lifeguard training. Vega, Porrata and Sonnabend were honored with a Red Cross National Lifesaving Award during a recognition event July 7 at City Hall.

The Red Cross National Lifesaving Award recognizes individuals who train or use their training and skills to help save or sustain a life.

"We are incredibly proud of Matias and Eoin and grateful for the way they went above and beyond in a critical moment," said Ben Boldt, Recreation & Sports Division Head. "We are also quite fortunate to have individuals like Sam who teach lifesaving skills to lifeguards across southeastern Minnesota and support the City's aquatics staff. They are models of people who are trained, prepared and deeply committed to the safety and well-being of our community."

"The Certificate of Merit is the highest award given by the Red Cross to individuals who save or sustain a life using skills learned in a Red Cross Training Services course," said Melanie Tschida, executive director of the Southern Minnesota Chapter of the Red Cross. "We're extremely proud and honored to present these awards to Eoin and Matias, whose actions exemplify our mission to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies."

The recognition event included the presentation of the Red Cross National Lifesaving Award and remarks honoring Vega and Porrata's service.