SWFD DISTRICT CHIEF RECEIVES USLA HONOR
At a recent awards ceremony held by the Florida Beach Patrol Chiefs Association and the United States Lifesaving Association Southeast Region (USLA SER), our District Chief Glen Kuehner was awarded the USLA SER Special Recognition Award.
Many of you may remember the day known as “Black Sunday” on June 8, 2003, when dangerous surf conditions led to numerous drowning incidents and water rescues across the Gulf Coast. This tragic day ultimately inspired Kuehner to learn more about surf rescue and develop a strong beach safety culture in our communities.
After starting his lifeguarding career with Destin Beach Safety in 2004, Kuehner and Destin Beach Safety leadership worked alongside the USLA to develop the Southeastern Region Personal Watercraft Operator Academy.
Since then, Kuehner has served as the Academy’s Director and helped hundreds of other lifeguards across the country become certified Personal Rescue Watercraft Operators, meaning they are able to launch and operate a jet ski under any surf conditions to successfully conduct a rescue, and therefore save lives.
His impact on SWFD lifeguards is second-to-none, having most recently instructed a group of our lifeguards in November of 2021 (pictured). Congratulations to District Chief Kuehner on this honor, we are proud to have you here at SWFD!