Hannibal Aquatic Center manager steps down to return to education field

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Jenna McDonald is leaving the Hannibal Aquatic Center after spending nine years at the helm.  McDonald is returning to the field of education teaching physical education in Pittsfield, Ill. Her last day was Aug. 4.

As manager of the Hannibal Aquatic Center, McDonald changed lifesaving certification for the staff to the American Red Cross system which includes lifeguarding skills, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, automated external defibrillator and first aid implementation. The front desk/concession staff members also received professional rescuer, first aid, CPR and AED training. 

McDonald additionally trained Hannibal Parks and Recreation staff and maintenance employees in first aid/CPR/AED instruction.

McDonald had recently earned the Aquatic Examiner Service award from the American Red Cross which is an award given for excellent evaluations from the Aquatic Examiner Service program. The Aquatic Examiner Service is designed to increase lifeguard accountability, attention to safety, professionalism and pride; along with strengthening lifeguards’ emergency response skills.  Aquatic Examiners conduct unannounced visits to evaluate the performance of lifeguards and lifeguarding operations.

While at the Aquatic Center, McDonald implemented new programs such as the mermaid/shark school, standup paddleboard yoga, cardboard boat races and changed safety procedures for more efficient transitions and operations.

As a recreation supervisor, McDonald introduced pickleball to the Parks and Recreation department and managed several leagues and classes for years, including a popular Drop-In program that allows people of all skill levels to play. McDonald was in charge of operations at the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center.