KELOWNA – A regular visit to Zumba class could have had a tragic ending for a Kelowna resident had it not been for the actions of staff at H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre.

Sharon Flanagan went into cardiac arrest and collapsed near the end of an afternoon Zumba class, back in November, prompting three lifeguards and other H2O staff members to spring into action to revive her.

Four YMCA staff members, Scott Fellhauer, Alyssa Christie, Marte Volk and Braeden Wallace rushed to the scene as soon as they were alerted to the incident. Scott immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation, while the others made sure oxygen was administered, and the automated external defibrillator was put into motion.

After several ups and downs, Sharon’s heart eventually returned to its normal rhythm and she started to breathe on her own again. She was then transported to hospital by ambulance.

“It is really emotional,” said Sharon with tears in her eyes. “If it weren’t for this really awesome group of people, I wouldn’t be here. I don’t think there is anything I could possibly say or do to ever repay them and I think they should all be so proud of themselves.”

The YMCA staff involved received a commendation from Lifesaving Society at an annual awards banquet, held in Vancouver this past June, which prompted a standing ovation from the crowd.