Tag Archives: Lifeguard

American Red Cross Training Proves Critical When Sarah Acosta Saves Her Mother

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On vacation in Hawaii in January 2025, Sarah Acosta (far left) saved her mother, Denise, from drowning when she was caught on a reef. Her father, Ben, and sister, Amanda, thank the American Red Cross for her lifesaving training. They and Denise were at the Central Coast Chapter Awards Ceremony in June when Sarah received a Certificate of Merit from the Red Cross.

A beautiful day on the beach on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, turned into a frightening experience for Sarah Acosta, her mother and her sister. Thankfully, lifeguard training provided by the American Red Cross gave Sarah the confidence she needed to save her mother’s life. 

In January 2025, while Sarah was picking up trash as well as tiny shells along the beach, Sarah’s sister, Amanda, and their mother, Denise, were enjoying “dolphin diving” in the clear blue ocean. Denise then floated on her back, soaking in the warm sun and not noticing that the waves were drifting her toward the reef. 

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