Lifeguard, Pool Staffer Earn Heroism Awards For Saving Swimmer

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — On the morning of Sept. 28, 2020, a swimmer entered the Roger Carter Community Center pool only to find another swimmer in distress. Pool manager Abdullah Tyler was alerted and he activated RCCC’s emergency action plan with the assistance of lifeguard David Gostomski.

Together, they performed CPR compressions, rescue breaths and used the on-site AED defibrillator twice on the swimmer. During this time, facility leader Marcellus Barley called 911 and led emergency personnel through RCCC to the pool deck. By the time the Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services personnel arrived on scene, the distressed swimmer was revived. The swimmer was taken to Howard County General Hospital where he made a full recovery.

For their heroic lifesaving efforts, Abdullah and David were each presented with the American Red Cross “Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders,” which recognizes Red Cross-trained professional responders acting while on duty. Marcellus was recognized by ARC with its “Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action” presented to those not Red Cross trained.

“These awards are a further testament to the training and character of these three courageous individuals. Thanks to their quick actions and ability to stay calm under pressure, they put their skills and knowledge into action to save the life of one of our residents that September day,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said. “We are forever grateful for their actions and commitment to ensuring the safety of all who walk through our facility doors.”

All RCCC staff are required to be CPR and first aid certified. Aquatics staff receive an additional 20-plus hours of in-service training each year including skill refinement, pool safety and operations, team building and physical fitness training.

“The quick and decisive heroic actions of our three community center employees prevented what could have been a tragic loss of life,” Howard County Recreation & Parks Director Raul Delerme said. ‌ ‌