Goodyear lifeguards win statewide safety competition

 The city of Goodyear’s lifeguard team took first place at the Arizona Lifeguard Challenge on June 28, marking a historic victory as the first West Valley team to win the event since its inception in the 1980s.

Goodyear defeated 20 other teams from across the state in the annual competition, which was coordinated by the Arizona Parks & Recreation Association and sponsored by the Michael Phelps Foundation. The event evaluated four-person teams on simulated emergency scenarios, including a river race, a first aid race, individual CPR tests, and an unresponsive victim rescue.

The championship squad comprised Goodyear lifeguards Bella Faser, JP Roberts, Dominic Saenz, and Brooke Woeslaw.

"Our lifeguards work hard, and competitions like this show just how prepared and capable they are," said Goodyear Parks and Recreation Director David Lopez, Jr. "These skills aren’t just for show. They’re critical for protecting our community every day."

Roberts, a first-time competitor who previously coached the team, credited the victory to the city's rigorous training program, which includes at least two hours of weekly lifesaving drills.

"These skills are drilled into us, so whether we are on duty, at a different pool, in public or even on the road and an emergency happens, it becomes second nature to jump in and help," Roberts said.

Visit goodyearaz.gov for more information.