It is standard to see lifeguards posted throughout the Y to monitor swimmers and guests in the aquatics area. However, community members may not think about how the life-saving training lifeguards go through translates beyond the swimming pool.

On Wednesday, June 22, two people were playing pickleball on Boise Parks and Recreation’s courts at Hobble Creek Park. Suddenly one of the players, Keith Snyder, dropped to his knees in distress. He was suffering from a major cardiac arrest.

Keith’s friend ran to the Y to call for help. While Y front desk staff called 9-1-1 immediately, they also issued an alert notifying trained emergency responders in the building. Four lifeguards sprinted to the pickleball courts and began lifesaving care, which included administering rescue breaths, defibrillation and oxygen.

“The four lifeguards—Kegan Arrington, McKenna Mason, Sage Dodd and Jonathan Sutherland—acted quickly with skill and bravery,” said Scott Swanson, Executive Director of the West Boise YMCA and Boise City Aquatic Center. “Our entire team is proud of them and their courageous action.”