Two lifeguards lived up to their namesake and were recently recognized as lifesavers.
On June 23, YMCA lifeguards Sydney Branson and Landon Mikulencak were recognized at the Taylor City Council meeting for saving a life in the pool of the Doris Roznovak Aquatic Center in Taylor earlier this summer.
“In commendation of their professional and superior performance of their duties, Mayor Rydell and the City Council members of the city of Taylor would like to officially recognize Ms. Branson and Mr. Mikulencak for their lifesaving actions,” said Mayor Pro Tem Gerald Anderson in reading the council’s special recognition. “We thank them for their attentiveness, and we are grateful that they are guarding the lives of all swimmers at the Doris Roznovak Aquatic Center.”
On May 28, a boy was swimming in the Aquatic Center in the pool when Mikulencak and Branson had to take action.
“He went underwater for 10-15 seconds and was bobbing up and down in the water,” said Stacey Osborne, city communications manager. “Lifeguard Sidney Branson jumped into the pool and pulled the young man out.”
He and Mikulencak put the boy into a recovery position until emergency medical services arrived. Williamson County EMS and the Taylor Police Department arrived at the scene.
“I’d also like to thank the other members of the (YMCA) executive team that handled this incident with class, calling the hospital, making sure the kid was okay,” said Tyler Bybee, Taylor parks and recreation director.
The child was taken to Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin as a precaution for possible water in the lungs.
“We can report that he is okay now,” said Bybee.
