Shaelen Gabriel of Portage la Prairie is grateful for the swift action of lifeguards at Splash Island Waterpark after a recent medical emergency involving her family.
The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. Sunday when Shaelen’s sister experienced a seizure while at the water park.
“I didn’t know what to do," said Shaelen. "I was just freaking out, so I was just calling for help.”
Shaelen noted that a young boy quickly alerted the lifeguards when he noticed what was happening.
“He got the lifeguards’ attention for me because I was just freaking out and didn’t know what to do,” she said.
The lifeguards responded promptly and professionally, helping to manage the situation. The whole incident lasted about 20 minutes.
While the lifeguards attended to her sister, members of the public helped care for her son, Kashtyn, who is six years old and has autism.
“The lifeguards were trying to calm me down and helping my sister as well,” she noted.
She appreciates their quick response and professionalism. “I’m very thankful for how they helped me. They were quick to help, and I’m happy that the people who are working there as lifeguards, the staff, were there at that time. They were very nice.”
Shaelen notes she visits Splash Island often with her son and has consistently been impressed by the staff.
“They’re always very professional there,” she says.
In closing, Shaelen wants to extend her thanks to all the staff present during the incident.
The family was also given free passes by the lifeguards before leaving because they were only there for 20 minutes before the incident happened.
Splash Island remains a popular spot for families in Portage la Prairie, and this incident highlights the importance of trained staff ready to respond in emergencies.
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