Anyone who is trained in emergency first aid or works in a job that might require them to take life-saving action knows there will come a time their skills will be needed.
When that time comes it is usually in the direst of circumstances when lives are at risk.
Two weekends ago, lifeguards at the Jayman BUILT Aquatic Centre were called into action when a young boy was discovered unresponsive at the bottom of the pool. Although the exact circumstances are not known, the child, who was attending a birthday party, somehow ended up unconscious under the water.
Fortunately this incident has a happy ending. Lifeguards resuscitated the child and an ambulance was on scene in minute. In all, he was on his way to hospital in 14 minutes.
Obviously, the parents are beyond grateful for the quick response and the skill that saved their child’s life. While we can all take a moment to rejoice, we are also pleased to see that Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre management are not simply praising the positive outcome and moving on.
Robin Mitchell, the facility’s general manager, said an investigation is underway into what led to the near drowning.
We are hopeful the results of that investigation will be made public and the sports centre will let the users know what enhancements will be made to prevent further incidents from happening.
Accidents happen and it is great to see that the sports centre staff is prepared for them, but now it’s time to determine what can be done to prevent another near tragedy from happening.
Stoney Nakoda leadership had a clear message sent to them last week when a referendum asking for permission to re-designate 3,000 hectares of land to commercial failed.
With such a need for job and economic growth on the reserve, the no vote demonstrates how deep the mistrust for tribal leaders is. It also illustrates how poorly presented the plan for the commercial re-designation was.
Everyone can agree that economic development for the Stoney Nakoda Nation is essential but it must be done as a community.
Nation members have sent a clear message to their leaders: it’s time to begin involving them in these decisions so they benefit everyone.
Hopefully, when the bands bring the commercialization plan back to members, the leaders will have a plan that shows they heard that message.
