by Dave Salter
Northern News Services

NNSL (DEC 04/96) - Lifeguarding can be a lonely business.

It's certainly not as dramatic as it's depicted on the beaches of TV's Baywatch. But it's still a rewarding profession for those in the "real" business of saving lives.

Two such local heros -- Brian Kelln and Kathryn Youngblut -- were recognized for their contributions last week.

Bronze Meritorious Medals were presented to the Yellowknifers on behalf of the Royal Lifesaving Society of Canada.

Kelln and Youngblut were singled out for their "work in aquatic instructing, training and programming ... promoting lifesaving skills and drown prevention."

Kelln is manager of the Ruth Inch Memorial Pool. The 39-year-old has been co-ordinating the delivery of life-saving courses for youth and adults for the past eight years.

Youngblut also received the Commonwealth Certificate of Thanks for her many years of service in the field.

The Leadership Programs Officer for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, Youngblut has worked in various capacities, including pool supervisor and territorial aquatic co-ordinator.

Youngblut no longer lifeguards, but she began her time in the water over 30 years ago and says "it means a lot to be recognized."

She says that while no one incident stands out from her lengthy career, she finds the evolution of water safety gratifying.

"There's been a lot of changes from when I started out," she says.

"Everyone is using PFDs -- personal flotation devices -- more children are taking swimming lessons and boat safety has become more prevalent."

However, Youngblut says there is still work to be done.

"I truly believe everyone should know how to swim. That's my goal, that everyone in the world know how to swim and be safe."

Kelln says his personal satisfaction comes from passing his knowledge on to a younger generation.

"I enjoy the challenge of training other staff members and seeing them grow. You're passing on things like leadership and customer service skills," says the 23-year veteran.

Unlike Youngblut, he does have one incident that stands out from the nearly 25 saves he's made over his career. It occurred during his first year in Yellowknife when a young boy was unconscious at the bottom of the pool and had to be resuscitated.

"His face was blue and I have to give him the Heimlich manoeuvre to get the water out of his lungs. After about a minute he was breathing on his own.

It sticks out because that kid is now a member of our swim club."