Acts of bravery recognised at annual award ceremony

Twenty-two individuals were recognised by Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) for their acts of bravery at last week’s 2018 Coastal Bravery Awards ceremony.

This year seven Gold Medallion for Exceptional Bravery recipients were honoured for their extraordinary acts which saw them place themselves in circumstances of extreme peril for the sake of another, while a further eight were honoured with the Silver Medallion for Bravery – Citizens Awards.

The annual awards, presented by SLSWA, pay tribute to those who have shown selflessness in going to the aid of others in trouble on our coast.

SLSWA President Craig Smith-Gander said that, whilst many lifesaving acts occur on the WA coast every year, a select few require members of our community to willingly put their own lives at risk to save the life of another.

“As the peak coastal safety organisation in Western Australia, SLSWA believes it appropriate to formally recognise these individuals and the contribution that they make to coastal safety in WA,” he said.

“Sometimes these acts require the rescuers to selflessly place themselves in harm’s way, and it is these incredible acts of bravery that we hope to capture and recognise through the Coastal Bravery Awards,” he said.

Three recipients under 16 years of age were presented with the Bronze Medallion for Courage – Youth Award while a number of surf lifesavers were also recognised for their courage.

“Through our Silver Medallion for Bravery – Lifesavers Award we also recognise a number of our amazing members who, using the training learned as a surf lifesaver, have applied these skills away from the beach to perform an act of bravery, ” said Mr Smith-Gander.

Long term SLSWA partners Woodside and Wesfarmers were also recognised on the day, being awarded with Surf Life Saving WA Meritorious Support Awards in recognition of their significant and sustained support towards the delivery, promotion and participation in, coastal safety initiatives in WA.

We would like to thank the wonderful Monika Kos who once again gave so generously of her time to MC the event; representing the Premier, the Hon. Simone McGurk MLA who assisted with the award presentations; and to the Fremantle Surf Life Saving Club for being such wonderful hosts.

For a full list of recipients including details of their acts, and photos from the award ceremony, visit the Coastal Bravery Awards website.

Nominations for the 2019 Coastal Bravery Awards are now open. For further information or to nominate a deserving individual visit www.coastalbraveryawards.com.au