HAROLD ANDERSON

1985 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

Harold’s name has been synonymous with aquatics in Rhode Island since his boyhood days as a member of the swimming teams at the Olneyville Boys’ Club.

After graduating from high school, Harold attended the Red Cross National Aquatic School at Camp Kiwanee, Massachusetts.  Recognizing his interest and talents in the field of aquatics, he was appointed Assistant Director of Safety Services for the Providence Chapter of the Red Cross in 1947, a position he held until entering the Army in 1952.  Following his military service, Harold resumed his position for the Red Cross, and in 1955, he was appointed Director of Safety Services for the Providence Chapter of the Red Cross, a position which he continues to hold.

Hal’s accomplishments in various phases of aquatics have been outstanding.

For years he was on the staff of the Red Cross National Aquatic Schools at Camp Kiwanee, Massachusetts and Camp Gardner Lakes, Connecticut.  In 1969 Hal was appointed Assistant Director at Camp Kiwanee.  In 1974 he was appointed Director of the National Aquatic School at Camp Tevya, New Hampshire, a position which he still holds.

In 1961 Harold was instrumental in organizing the R.I. Interscholastic Swimming Officials Association, and served as president from 1974 to 1978.  Hal was honored with the Joseph Tracey Award in 1982 from that organization.

Again, it was his efforts which led to the founding of the R.I. Aquatic Hall of Fame in 1981.  Harold was the first president of the Hall of Fame committee.

Over the years, Harold has volunteered his services in conducting aquatic events for the Special Olympics.  In 1974 Harold received a special award of honor from the R.I. Association of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, as well as a meritorious service award from the same organization in recognition of his years of service in aquatics.

Perhaps his most noted award came from the National American Red Cross.  Annually, this organization honors outstanding candidates from its own Red Cross staff members throughout the country who have distinguished themselves in the field of aquatics.  This award, called the “Golden Whale Award,” places the candidate in the distinguished “Commodore Longfellow Society.”  Harold received this award at the 1981 national meeting of the Red Cross.

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