Prince Albert, SK — A young lifeguard whose dedication to public safety and leadership has stood out in the community has been recognized with one of the City of Prince Albert’s top honours.
Shayla Preston, a longtime member of the city’s aquatics team, has been awarded the 2025 City of Prince Albert Lifeguard Scholarship, a $2,000 award created to celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of local lifeguards both on and off duty.
The scholarship, established in 2023, aims to highlight the critical role lifeguards play not just in maintaining water safety, but in fostering teamwork, community engagement, and professional growth. The award is granted annually to an individual who exemplifies these qualities, with the recipient chosen from among the city’s lifeguard staff.
Preston has been with the City of Prince Albert since 2020, working in a range of aquatics facilities including the Frank J. Dunn Swimming Pool and the Kinsmen Water Park. She is also part of the core team preparing for the much-anticipated opening of the Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre.
Outside of her work at the pool, Preston is preparing to graduate this spring from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.). Her goal is to become a Registered Nurse (RN) — a profession she says is closely aligned with the skills and values she has developed as a lifeguard.
“I [am] incredibly grateful for my time with the City of Prince Albert Aquatics Department,” Preston said. “This job has not only prepared me professionally but has also shaped me into a more confident, capable, and compassionate person.”
A leader in and out of the pool
City staff describe Preston as a natural leader whose impact extends beyond her official duties. Lauren Haubrich, Recreation Coordinator for Aquatics with the City of Prince Albert, said Preston’s approach to the job embodies the best of the city’s aquatics program.
“Shayla has an infectious positive attitude that she brings to the lifeguard team. She is friendly, honest, and a natural leader,” Haubrich said. “Shayla’s not only an asset to the City of Prince Albert aquatics team – but to the community. Her passion for water safety, accountability, and teamwork have been an amazing asset this 2025 season. The lifeguard team is made up of remarkable individuals and that is demonstrated through the excellent scholarship applicants each year.”
The scholarship selection process evaluates candidates on multiple criteria, including their performance on the job, contributions to workplace culture, commitment to safety, and personal achievements outside the workplace.
An investment in community safety
For the City of Prince Albert, the scholarship represents more than just a financial award — it’s an investment in nurturing skilled, dedicated professionals who contribute to public safety and community wellbeing. Lifeguards often serve as first responders in aquatic settings, requiring a blend of technical expertise, vigilance, and interpersonal skills.
Since its creation, the Lifeguard Scholarship has been positioned as both a reward for excellence and a retention tool for the city’s aquatics program, which competes with other municipalities to attract and keep high-calibre staff.
Preston’s win underscores the value of long-term commitment to the role. Her five years of service span a period in which aquatics operations have evolved significantly, with new facilities coming online and growing emphasis on community programs. The Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre, where Preston has been helping with preparations, is expected to be a major draw for residents when it opens, further elevating the city’s aquatic offerings.
Bridging skills between health care and aquatics
Preston’s dual career path — lifeguarding and nursing — offers a unique perspective on the intersections between aquatic safety and health care. The skills required for both roles, from emergency response to effective communication, share a common foundation in public service and care for others.
Her experience as a lifeguard has given her hands-on practice in high-pressure situations, something she believes will serve her well as she transitions into nursing. “This job has… shaped me into a more confident, capable, and compassionate person,” Preston said, emphasizing how the aquatics department has been instrumental in her personal and professional growth.
Celebrating achievement
While the $2,000 scholarship provides tangible financial support, city officials stress that the recognition itself is equally meaningful. The award sends a clear message to both the public and the aquatics staff that dedication, professionalism, and positive community impact are valued and celebrated.
A special ceremony to formally present Preston with the scholarship will be held at the Kinsmen Water Park at a later date, providing an opportunity for colleagues, city officials, and community members to acknowledge her contributions.
As the city prepares for another busy summer season at its aquatic facilities, Preston’s story serves as a reminder of the crucial role lifeguards play in safeguarding residents and fostering a welcoming community environment.
In the words of Haubrich, “The lifeguard team is made up of remarkable individuals.” This year, Preston’s selection as scholarship recipient stands as a testament to that statement — and to the lasting impact one dedicated individual can have on a community.