Heroes recognised at awards ceremony

Last Friday, Surf Life Saving WA recognised 37 individuals for their acts of bravery performed on the West Australian coast. Held every two years, the Coastal Bravery Awards pay tribute to the individuals who place themselves in harm’s way in response to a call for aid.

Amongst the nearly 200 guests were Surf Life Saving WA Chief Patron, the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM, and recipients’ friends and family members.

“These recipients don’t ask for recognition, but it is important to acknowledge what they have done and the impact their actions have had on someone else, or someone else’s family and loved ones,” said Surf Life Saving WA President Heidi Gan.

“Some are surf lifesavers, some are members of our police force, others are parents or young people, high school students and even primary school students.

“What they do have in common is selflessness and courage that saw them go to the aid of another in peril”.

Amongst seven individuals honoured with the Gold Medallion for Exceptional Bravery was Denmark’s David Stockdale, who, without hesitation, entered the rough waters at Greens Pool to go to the aid of a man caught in a rip.

Repeatedly attempting to reach the individual, battling the swell and with exhaustion setting in, he had to make the difficult decision to return to the shore alone.

Also recognised were Geoff Gillmore and Toby Watkins, who were involved in the rescue of passengers from the tragic Rottnest Island seaplane crash in January 2025, and members of the Harris family and their father Rick, who lost his life when they went to the aid of his youngest son and his friend when they were caught in a rip at Native Dog Beach, in Bremer Bay earlier this year.

A further twenty-three recipients received the Silver Medallion for Bravery. Amongst them was Luke Baldock, who saved two children thrown into the water after their dinghy, caught in the strong current, flipped and threw them into the water, and eight Police Officers, whose actions saw them go above and beyond duty.

Five recipients under sixteen years of age were also presented with the Bronze Medallion for Courage Youth Award.

Since the awards were launched in 2016, 189 individuals have been recognised for their actions. Read more about the 2025 award recipients here.