Honoring a leader in water safety

This is Paul Janensch with a Treasure Coast Essay about a one-time lifeguard honored for his contributions to water safety.  More than 30 years ago, Vero Beach orthopedic surgeon Peter Wernicki watched over swimmers on the Jersey Shore.  Since then, he has pursued a second career devoted to preventing drownings.  Recently Wernicki, 56, received the International Swimming Hall of Fame’s 2015 Paragon Award.  Under his leadership, the American Red Cross and the U.S. Lifesaving Association have educated literally millions of people in safe swimming.  He has lectured on and written about water-safety and aquatic medicine.  Maybe you have seen him on the Weather Channel.  Wernicki still likes to swim in the ocean, go surfing and scoot around on a stand-up paddle board.  He grew up on the beach and can’t stay away.  I’m Paul Janensch.