Taking It To Another Level

EDINBURG, Texas – Even when not at work, for Evins Regional Juvenile Center (ERJC) JCO Eric Aleman, the call for duty is usually close to him. In July, Aleman was enjoying his day off from work at South Padre Island appreciating the nice breezy weather with family and friends when he spotted a swimmer in distress who had gone out too far from the shoreline. Without hesitation, he did what he does naturally -- help out when he is summoned. He quickly grabbed a inflated toy ring from a beachgoer and went in after the troubled swimmer. When he finally reached the swimmer, he noticed that there was more than one person on the verge of succumbing to the depth and waves of the sea. Quickly he was able to get the two swimmers to hold onto the inflated ring, while two surfers approached and assisted them.

“Mr. Aleman is one of seven JCOs that were just certified last November as lifeguards,” said ERJC Recreation Specialist Jose Castellanos. Castellanos went on to say that the lifeguard training program was coordinated with the City of Pharr Parks & Recreation Department at the Pharr Aquatic Center and focused on intensive swimming sessions to increase swimming endurance, practice multiple active drowning scenarios, submerged victim rescue scenarios, and the 300-meter swim, all in preparation for the test to earn the American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification. “Mr. Aleman acted in professional manner, and because of his unselfish action, those two men are still with their families,” said Castellanos.

PHOTO: (L TO R) Coach B. Maldonado, A. Camargo, N. Rodriguez, B. Ramirez, J. Chavez, D. Garcia, E. Aleman, A. Delgado, Coach J. Castellanos