The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Patricia Court Saves A Life

By

submitted by Susan Court
Sixteen year old lifeguard Patricia Court of Stephentown saved a life this summer and was honored by the DEC for her actions. Her bosses and all those that came to help were impressed that she handled the situation with maturity and professionalism.

Sixteen year old Patricia Court was presented with a letter from DEC Commissioner Joseph J. Martens which was read by the DEC Albany Director of Operations & Recreation Mark Malinowski. He also presented a DEC pin to Patricia. The man on the right is the DEC Regional Director of Region 4, from Schenectady, Gene Kelly, who presented the second pin ever presented in the State for saving a life. Photo courtesy of Susan Court.

The Stephentown Youth Commission established the Swim program and it existed for more than thirty years. It was established to provide free swim lessons to the Youth of Stephentown.
Over the years it has taught many children how to be comfortable in the water, but most of all it taught them how to be safe. In addition, it taught them a skill they could carry through life. Due to budget cuts and the decision not to charge even a small fee, to offset the costs, the program was cut this year.
You should know that, I was the Assistant Director of the swim program and then Director for the last two years.
Patricia was taught how to swim by then Director and Red Cross Certified WSI (Water Safety Instructor) Debbie Angley. Last year she was a Junior Lifeguard in the Stephentown swim program.