A longtime Brock University aquatics supervisor was honoured by the Royal Life Saving Society Commonwealth Council.

Brock Aquatic Program Supervisor Margaret Lizzotti was given the Commonwealth Honour Award, Bar to Service Cross, which recognizes leadership and dedicated service to the Lifesaving Society, at Queen’s Park in Toronto on Dec. 9.

“This is an incredible honour, but I am just one of the volunteers that helps to educate on Drowning Prevention Education,” said Lizzotti. “I am very proud that I am employed by Brock University. As the highest level of education in Niagara, we provide opportunities for all to learn how to swim and use swimming as fitness in their lives.”

Lizzotti was presented the award during an investiture convened by The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

Last February, Lizzotti accepted two awards on behalf of Brock Aquatics: the Jocelyn Palm Cup (awarded to the affiliate making the most outstanding contributions to the National Lifeguard Service) and the Kirk A.W. Whipper Cup (given to the affiliated university or college with the largest lifesaving program in Ontario).

“These awards hold prestige in the province,” said Lizzotti. “We are identified as providing excellent aquatic leadership programming and supporting the National Lifeguard program at Brock and within the Niagara community.”

The Eleanor Misener Aquatic Centre, which opened in September 1981, is a hub of competitive swim programs and swimming lessons for all ages.

Since starting as a lifeguard and swim instructor at Brock in September of 1984, Lizzotti has made it her mission to prevent drowning and water-related injury through training programs, Water Smart public education, safety management services, drowning prevention research and lifesaving sport.

“The Brock University Aquatic Centre is truly a pool for the Niagara community,” said Lizzotti. “We value the opportunity to be able to contribute to the training of aquatic leaders, including lifeguard certifications and swim instructor certifications for the Brock and Niagara communities.”