Selkirk Pool Supervisor Lolita Duschinger was presented the Lifeguard of the Year Award by the Lifesaving Society of Manitoba July 23, in a ceremony held at Government House.
The 19-year-old former competitive swimmer was honoured, and a little shocked.
“It was a surprise. This whole situation is definitely surprising, I did not expect to be considered for this award,” Duschinger said.
“I would say it was an enlightening opportunity for me to even be nominated. I would be happy to just be nominated, but it’s crazy that I received the award.”
Recognition of dedication, skill and commitment
Courtney Bangert-Murray, the city’s Program Coordinator, nominated Duschinger along with the city’s Manager of Cultural and Recreational Programs, Kyla Ray.
“We nominated Lolita for the Lifeguard of the Year Award because she embodies everything we hope for in someone entrusted with the safety of others at our facility,” Bangert-Murray said.
“This award is a meaningful recognition of Lolita’s dedication, skill, and commitment to ensuring the safety of others.”
Duschinger has worked at the Selkirk Park Pool & Splash Pad for the past three years and her background as a competitive swimmer – she swam with the Selkirk Dolphins and St. James Seals and competed at the Manitoba Games – made the move to lifeguarding easier.
She grew up in Matlock and spent a lot of time at the beach.
“It was a really easy transition because I already had that aquatics experience because I’d been swimming for about five years competitively,” she said.
“And we lived really close to the beach so we were always around water.”
Future career in medicine
She has her eye on a career in medicine – specifically a doctor working in neurology – and she sees a connection between that and her lifeguarding career.
“I really enjoy helping people out. I want to go into health care,” she said.
“I’m all about that whole first aid aspect of the job, I do enjoy giving care to people in that way. Also, seeing that I can ensure safety all around. It’s really nice to see that I can prevent things from happening.”
She’s proud to say she hasn’t had to do much lifesaving because of that adherence to safety and prevention.
“Before anything happens, we catch it. It’s nice to have rules in place and enforce them prior to drownings happening. It’s a greater success when we have more prevention than actually having to save a life.”
And when it’s suggested that she has everyone’s dream job, spending her days at the beach, she agrees, but says it’s not your typical lazy day at the beach.
“That’s what they all think but it’s a lot harder than it looks,” she laughed.
“Lolita has made a real impact”
Bangert-Murray says they nominated Duschinger because of her commitment to safety and so much more.
“We felt it important to nominate Lolita to acknowledge her in the many ways she goes above and beyond, not only in her vigilance on the water’s edge but also in her ability to remain calm under pressure, lead a team, and act decisively in emergencies,” she said.
“Lolita has made a real impact, not just through her aquatic skills but also through her commitment to teaching others and spreading awareness about water safety and prevention.”
She said Duschinger has been an integral part of the promotion of National Drowning Prevention Week and the city’s swimming lesson programming.
Setting a standard of excellence
“Her contributions have undoubtedly made a positive impact on the community and have set a standard of excellence for other lifeguards and the aquatic team at Selkirk Park Pool & Splash Pad.”
The evening at Government House was thrilling, and Duschinger is appreciative of the support she receives from the City of Selkirk.
“It’s a humbling experience. It’s really nice to have such a supportive management team to nominate me for this award.”
The Lifesaving Society’s annual Rescue & Honour Awards Ceremony acknowledges individuals and organizations in Manitoba who assist its mission of prevention drownings, including instructors, lifeguards, organizations and volunteers active in Manitoba.
The ceremony also recognizes individuals who have demonstrated significant acts of bravery that exemplify the spirit of the Lifesaving Society’s motto: “Whomsoever you see in distress, recognize in them a fellow human being.”
