Two City of Peterborough Lifeguards Receive Rescue Awards of Merit

Peterborough, ON – Two City of Peterborough employees were honoured with Rescue Awards of Merit from Lifesaving Society Ontario during a ceremony on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. 

Avery Fam and Tessa Kitchen, both lifeguards and swim instructors at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, received the awards in recognition of their life-saving actions while off duty.  

On October 6, 2025, Fam noticed an individual lying on the grass near the parking lot of the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre. After checking the individual, she determined they were not breathing. Fam immediately ran into the facility to call 9-1-1 and retrieve a first aid kit before returning to begin CPR. 

Kitchen, who was arriving at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, noticed Fam providing assistance to the individual and quickly joined her. After CPR was administered, the individual began breathing again. 

Both lifeguards continued to provide first aid until paramedics arrived. The individual was transported to hospital and survived the incident. 

“We are incredibly proud of these two off-duty lifeguards whose quick thinking, training, and selflessness saved a life when it mattered most,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Their actions are a powerful reminder that the skills our lifeguards carry don’t end when their shift does. On behalf of City Council and the community, I congratulate Avery and Tessa on receiving Lifesaving Society Ontario’s Rescue Award of Merit and thank them for exemplifying the very best of public service.” 

"Lifesavers never know when they might be called upon to use their training and skills. The Society commends Avery and Tessa for their selflessness and applauds their embodiment of our motto, 'Whomsoever you see in distress, recognize in them a fellow human being'” said Stephanie Bakalar, Lifesaving Society Ontario.