Orland Park Lifeguards Honored For Rescuing Young Boy On Memorial Day

ORLAND PARK, IL — A group of lifeguards from Centennial Park Aquatic Center were honored at Monday's Village Board Meeting with the Lifesaving Award for their work in saving a 10-year-old boy from drowning last month.

According to Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau, the group of teenagers sprung into action on Memorial Day after one lifeguard noticed a young boy who appeared to be unconscious lying down in the Activity Pool area.

From there, the team activated the pool's emergency response plan and two lifeguards got the child out of the water and helped him regain consciousness. The rest of the group helped evacuate the park and clear a path for emergency personnel.

"You all went towards [the problem]," Pekau told the group while presenting the award. "That speaks volume to your character. Who knows what that young boy's going to go on to do with the rest of his life thanks to you."

The boy was taken to a local hospital, where he received medial attention. In a statement, village officials said the boy was back at school the following day.

The aquatic center was closed for the remainder of the day Monday and the following day while staff conducted a training and debrief, the department said.

The incident occurred just two days after the park's opening day on May 28.

According to the CDC, there are more than 8,000 non-fatal drownings in the U.S. each year, and for every child who dies from drowning, another eight receive emergency department care for non-fatal drowning.