United States Lifesaving Association ( USLA ) Mourns An Original Founder
According to the United States Lifesaving Association ( USLA ), an original founder, Andy Healey passed away. The following press release was distributed by the organization:
“The United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) mourns the passing of an original founder, inspirational volunteer, respected leader, and Life Member, Andrew E. Healey. Mr. Healey earned the prestigious USLA Life Member Award in 2018. The following recounts how Mr. Healey earned this special recognition.
Mr. Healey has been involved in lifeguarding for over 45 years, he has worked for the Town of Hempstead’s (TOH) Department of Parks & Recreation as an Ocean Lifeguard, Aquatic Specialist, and Recreation Supervisor. He has served on the USLA Executive Board, as a Delegate to the Board of Directors, as a National Certification Officer and as a National & International Competition Official. Mr. Healey has earned multiple awards for his distinguished service over the years including:
• May 1989 – World Lifesaving Association – International Training Officer
• May 1995 – USLA Presidential Certificate of Appreciation
• April 2004 – USLA Meritorious Award (multiple victim drowning prevention)
• August 2018 – William “Billy” George Sportsmanship Award
• August 2018 – USLA National Award of Distinguished Service
• October 2018 – USLA Presidential Certificate of Appreciation
Mr. Healey was part of a three-member USLA Beach & Water Safety Survey Team in Costa Rica in the early 1990s. He was one of the first international competition officials from the United States, officiating in New Zealand (1998) and Australia (2000) at the International Lifesaving’s Rescue Competition. He started lifeguarding for the Town of Hempstead in the early 1970s and has served as the Vice President of the local USLA Point Lookout, NY Chapter. Mr. Healey is only the third USLA Life Member from New York State. The other members are the late Frank Russell from Jones Beach and Tom Daly from Long Beach.
Besides his work with the USLA, Mr. Healey contributed his priceless work ethic and elite fundraising efforts to numerous non-profits, earning accolades from organizations similarly focused on saving lives. Andy’s endless efforts to further surf lifesaving has set a high bar for those left to carry on the mission. The USLA invites each member to take an active role in the local, regional and/or national organization in honor of Andy’s decades of service. Information regarding services for Andrew Healey are below.
Wakes – Rosary Visitation Ceremonies
Mackens Funeral Home
52 Clinton Avenue
Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Thursday 01/06 4-8 pm
Friday 01/07 4-8 pm
Funeral Mass
St. Agnes Roman Catholic Cathedral
29 Quealy Place
Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Saturday 01/08 9:30 am”
To be sure you are not missing out on any lifeguard stories, please subscribe to our newsletter here!
For future articles about lifeguarding related industry topics, visit www.lifeguardtv.com
