Senior Kinesiology Lecturer Honored by American Red Cross

Senior Kinesiology Lecturer Roy Fielding has been presented the Special Citation for Exceptional Volunteer Service, one of the top awards issued by the American Red Cross. This certificate recognizes Fielding for his “sustained performance that has substantially exceeded the volunteer’s original commitment.”

Fielding has volunteered nearly 50 years with the Red Cross as both a chapter volunteer and, for the past 10 years, a member of the organization’s Scientific Advisory Council. The Council, a 50-member panel of experts in training, preparedness and disaster management, advises the Red Cross on the science behind its programs. As part of his Council work, Fielding represents the Red Cross on numerous national and international projects and media opportunities, positioning the Red Cross as a true leader in scientific research and fostering collaborative partnerships with other Red Cross societies and national associations.

As part of Fielding’s commitment to UNC Charlotte and the Red Cross, he developed the Lifeguard Rescue Reporting System, which collects and analyzes data to help improve lifeguard training programs. He has also served as the vice chair of two Model Aquatic Health Code Committees for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, coordinating the bather supervision and lifeguarding sections. He will be representing both the University and the Red Cross in presenting this work at the World Conference on Drowning Prevention in Penang, Malaysia in November 2015.

“Roy spends countless hours every year ensuring that the Red Cross advances the very best scientific practices and standards in aquatics,” said Jack McMaster, President of Preparedness, Health and Safety Services at the American Red Cross. “It has been a privilege to partner with Roy developing and implementing the Red Cross Lifeguard and Lifeguard Management programs, and I look forward to continued collaboration and success.”

Fielding is the Director of Aquatics for the Department of Recreational Services. He recently stepped down as the program coordinator for the Exercise Science degree program in the Department of Kinesiology after 20 years of leadership. He was named one of top most influential individuals in aquatics in the United States by Aquatics International Magazine in its Power 25 for 2010. He is a member of the University of Northern Iowa Athletic Hall of Fame for swimming and the School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Studies Hall of Excellence.

Press release courtesy American Red Cross