On Wednesday 25 February 2026, Royal Life Saving NSW had the honour of recognising extraordinary acts of courage, leadership and lifesaving skill at the 2026 Royal Life Saving NSW Commendation Awards Ceremony, hosted at Government House Sydney by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales.

The ceremony brought together recipients, families, emergency services personnel and community members to acknowledge individuals who stepped forward in critical moments to protect and preserve life.

Each year, Royal Life Saving NSW presents Commendation Awards to people who demonstrate exceptional initiative, expertise and compassion when responding to emergencies. These awards recognise both members of the public and Emergency Services Personnel whose actions reflect the very essence of the Royal Life Saving mission – helping people develop the skills and confidence to save lives.

Stories of Courage and Commitment

This year’s recipients were recognised for extraordinary acts of courage, quick thinking and compassion in a range of life-threatening situations across New South Wales. Incidents included lifesaving responses during extreme bushfire conditions, coordinated rescues at beaches, off-duty police responding to a drowning emergency involving a toddler, and members of the public entering dangerous surf to assist a swimmer in distress.

Other awardees were recognised for their decisive actions during critical medical emergencies, including stabilising a surfer following a shark attack using improvised tourniquets and performing CPR and defibrillation on an unconscious driver until paramedics arrived. In each case, the calm leadership, teamwork and lifesaving skills of those involved played a critical role in protecting or preserving life.

Together, these stories demonstrate the powerful impact of preparedness and the willingness of ordinary people and emergency responders alike to step forward when every second counts.

Why Recognition Matters

While each story is unique, they share a common thread: the willingness to act in moments when every second counts.

These acts of courage demonstrate the profound impact that training, awareness and community responsibility can have during emergencies. They also reinforce the importance of the lifesaving skills Royal Life Saving teaches across communities every day – including CPR, first aid, and water safety education.

For Royal Life Saving NSW, the Commendation Awards are more than a ceremony. They are an opportunity to celebrate individuals who embody the organisation’s long-standing motto:

“Whomsoever you see in distress, recognise in him a fellow human being.”

This philosophy reflects the shared responsibility we all have to look out for one another, particularly around water and in emergency situations.

Celebrating Lifesavers Across Our Community

The 2026 Commendation Awards highlight the extraordinary difference ordinary people can make when they are prepared to act.

Whether responding to a drowning incident, a medical emergency, or a life-threatening injury, each recipient demonstrated calm leadership, compassion and a commitment to preserving life.

Royal Life Saving NSW congratulates all recipients and thanks them for their courage and dedication to the safety of others. Their actions serve as a powerful reminder that lifesaving skills truly save lives.

If you know someone deserving of a Commendation Award- fill out a nomination form today! Commendations | Royal Life Saving 

Photography by: Daniel Kukec Photography