Lifeguards honored with prestigious lifesaving award

Published on February 03, 2025

On November 23, 2024, Jane DeClercq, Lead Lifeguard, and Brody McManmon, Lifeguard II, were recognized for their heroic, life-sustaining efforts after responding to a medical emergency at Warm Mineral Springs Park. Their quick actions and training helped save a woman's life after she experienced distress while in the water.

For their exemplary actions, Jane and Brody were presented with the "Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders" at the 2025 Association of Aquatic Professionals Conference & Exposition. The award, presented by Jody Wacker, Vice President of Marketing for American Red Cross Training Services, is the highest honor given by the American Red Cross to individuals or teams who save or sustain a life using skills learned in a Red Cross Training Services course.

"This action exemplifies the highest degree of concern of one human being for another who is in distress," stated on their Citation given by the American Red Cross.

The City of North Port Parks & Recreation Department commends Jane and Brody for their extraordinary dedication to public safety and their commitment to serving the community. Both Jane DeClerq and Brody McManmon will be recognized by the City of North Port Commission on Feb. 6, 2025 at 4 p.m.