Cumberland Lifeguards Honored For Saving Man's Life

Julian Gilbert had been a lifeguard for only a few days when he found a man collapsed in the shower at Cumberland Pool last Thursday.

A rookie lifeguard in that situation can either act or freeze. Gilbert and the staff at Cumberland acted, and they were able to save the life of a man who had suffered a serious medical condition.

Five lifeguards who played key roles in keeping the man alive were honored Monday by the Cleveland Heights City Council.

The lifeguards honored were Gilbert, Esther Bergson, Max Hackman, Liam Robinson and Tyler Rudy. Also recognized was Dan Budin, the pool manager.

"What those kids did saved that gentleman's life," said Christopher J. Kendel, the city's assistant commissioner of parks and recreation. "A lot of times our younger generation doesn't get enough credit. These are all good kids who grew up in Cleveland Heights."

The 56-year-old man had suffered a pulminary embolism, Kendel said. That is a blockage in an artery in the lung.

The lifeguards provided emergency care -- including CPR and rescue breathing -- until EMS arrived. The man was then taken to University Hospitals.

He is currently in a medically induced coma, Kendel said.

Cleveland Heights Fire Chief Dave Freeman said the work of the lifeguards was fantastic.

"What they did actually saved a man's life," he said.