Viki Downey

WHEREAS, Viki Downey's career in aquatic safety and instruction 1
spanned from 1965 through 2024; and 2
WHEREAS, Viki began lifeguarding at the remarkable young age of 3
11; and 4
WHEREAS, At age 30, Viki was hired at a pool where she continued 5
lifeguarding and assisted with therapy swim sessions; and6
WHEREAS, At age 34, Viki was selected to lead the therapy swim 7
program, while also instructing water aerobics, teaching swim 8
lessons, and serving as a lifeguard; and 9
WHEREAS, Viki became the pool's Aquatic Supervisor at age 38, 10
further demonstrating her leadership and devotion to community health 11
and safety; and 12
WHEREAS, Viki was hired by the Manson Park and Recreation 13
District in 1998, where she established and developed the 14
lifeguarding program and served as Aquatic Supervisor until her 15
retirement in 2024; and 16
WHEREAS, During her first year in 1998 at Manson Bay Park, Viki 17
performed 14 rescues, a testament to her vigilance and commitment to 18
public safety; and 19
WHEREAS, In 2011, Viki started a free swim lesson program for 20
individuals ages four to 100, teaching 398 lessons the first year, 21
483 the second year, and over 500 lessons each consecutive year until 22
2020, when COVID-19 restrictions were in place; and23
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2025-4603, by Representative Steele
p. 1 HR 4603
WHEREAS, Viki Downey and Judy Phelps formed the Lake Chelan Swim 1
Foundation, continuously fundraising to ensure the ongoing success of 2
the free swim lesson program; and 3
WHEREAS, Viki has tirelessly provided water safety instruction 4
and accident prevention to the Lake Chelan Valley, earning her a 5
well-deserved reputation as a community legend; and6
WHEREAS, Starting in 2010, Viki led a group of community members 7
each year to participate in "The World's Largest Swim Lesson," an 8
event recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records; and9
WHEREAS, In 2018, Viki inspired the community further with the 10
inception of the 1st Annual Viki Downey Polar Bear Plunge fundraiser; 11
and 12
WHEREAS, Viki's retirement in 2024 from her position as Aquatic 13
Supervisor for the Manson Park and Recreation District marks the 14
culmination of nearly six decades of dedicated service to aquatic 15
programs and community well-being; 16
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives 17
honor and commend Viki Downey for her outstanding contributions to 18
water safety, community health, and education, and extend best wishes 19
for a fulfilling and well-earned retirement; and 20
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be 21
immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of 22
Representatives to Viki Downey and the Manson Park and Recreation 23
District in appreciation of Viki's exemplary career and enduring 24
impact on the health and safety of Washington State's communities.25
26
I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of27
Resolution 4603 adopted by the House of Representatives28
January 21, 2025 29
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__________________________ 34
Bernard Dean, Chief Clerk 35
p. 2 HR 4603