Chenango Valley State Park Lifeguards Earn Prestigious Award

You may not think much about them when visiting a public swimming facility. You know they are there and they perform a vital job to keep swimmers safe (and out of trouble as well.)

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But, lifeguards are much more than just that. As a matter of fact, we have some local lifeguards who were recently awarded the Central New York State Regions Jim Van Deusen Cup.

According to the New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation news release:

The Jim Van Deusen Cup was established in 2011 in memory of Jim and his dedication and commitment to NYS Parks. Jim’s focus on the health and safety program was never ending. He took pride in Central Region’s water safety program and worked diligently to assure Central offered patrons and staff the safest operations possible.

The Cup is awarded at the end of each New York State Parks beach season to the facility that continuously performs to the highest standards and implemented best practices throughout the summer swim season.

This year, the Cup went to the Chenango Valley State Park Lifeguards, led by Anastasia Rusnick who commented:

It is truly an honor to be the recipient of the Jim VanDeusen Cup this season. It creates a strong sense of pride to be recognized for our hard work and love of lifeguarding here at Chenango Valley State Park. I have been striving for this since my first season in 2017. Receiving it in my 7th season as chief lifeguard is all the more rewarding. This wouldn't have been possible without the amazing lifeguard crew, my two assistant chiefs, Lucas Hoyt and Cooper Klump, the park rangers and our park manager. - Anastasia Rusnick

 

Over the 2023 season, Chenango Valley State park lifeguards provided a learn-to-swim program for area kids, and hosted rescue training along with park staff, rangers, local EMS and fire agencies along with the LifeNet air ambulance.