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Summer is around the corner — the time when we relax, reconnect with family and friends, head to the beach, pool or river. But it’s also the time when the water becomes riskier. The latest data from the National Drowning Report 2025 shows a sharp and alarming increase in drowning fatalities across Australia. That’s why we’re launching the Are You Summer Ready campaign: to make sure Australians not only enjoy our waterways — but stay safe around them. Why we need this campaign — the hard facts: Australia recorded 357 drowning deaths between July 2024 and June 2025 — a 27% increase on the ten-year average. 43% of those deaths happened in coastal locations (154 deaths) and 34% in inland waterways including rivers, lakes and dams (122 deaths). Rivers/creeks remain one of the deadliest settings — 99 drowning deaths occurred in rivers alone. Swimming pools accounted for 10% of the deaths (35 fatalities) and of those, 68% were in backyard pools. The summer‐specific toll (Dec–Feb) also rose: 104 lives lost to drowning in summer 2024/25, up 5% on last summer and 14% on the five‐year average. Males continue to be vastly over-represented in drowning deaths (over 80 % in many categories). These numbers are a wake-up call. What the “Are You Summer Ready?” campaign means: We’re asking every Australian: Are you ready? Not just physically, but mentally, behaviourally, and socially. The campaign invites you to check in on three key fronts: Your knowledge of risk. Do you know the hidden hazards of rivers and remote inland waterways? Are you aware of rip currents at the beach? Have you checked your pool gates, your supervision, your environment? Your personal preparedness. Feeling fit, alert, off medication if it affects your balance or swimming ability? Do you know your limits in the water, and are you ready to act if someone in your group gets into trouble? Your family and community readiness. Are children supervised? Are non-swimmers supported? Is your group aware, and committed to staying safe, not just having fun? Because drowning prevention is as much about social behaviour as it is about swimming skill. How to Get Summer Ready Being Summer Ready means taking simple but life-saving steps before you hit the water.Royal Life Saving is encouraging all Australians to take five key actions this summer: 🟠 Learn the Risks Understand the dangers of different waterways — beaches, rivers, and backyard pools each carry unique risks. Make informed choices about where and how you swim. 🟡 Enrol in Swimming Lessons It’s never too early or too late to learn. Swimming lessons build confidence and save lives — for kids, adults, and older Australians returning to the water. 🔴 Update Your First Aid Skills Knowing CPR and first aid could make the difference between life and death. Take a refresher course and ensure your whole family knows what to do in an emergency. 🟠 Prepare Your Home Check pool fences, gates, and any water hazards around the home. Small changes — like a self-closing gate or a visible CPR sign — can prevent tragedy. 🟡 Get Active Enjoy the water safely. Swimming, walking, and water exercise not only boost your health but help you stay confident and capable around aquatic environments. How we’re rolling this out: Digital and social media tiles and videos under the hashtag #AreYouSummerReady. Community posters and checklists for families, pools, venues, schools — developed and available for download. (See campaign homepage.) Partnerships with water-management agencies, local councils and aquatic facilities to amplify the message in regions, especially remote and regional where drowning rates are higher. Engagement with regional communities to help bridge the equity gap in drowning risk. Why it matters to you (and your workplace/facility): Whether you manage a pool, organise children’s activities, are a parent, a teacher, a community leader or simply someone who loves being near water — this isn’t just a campaign. It’s a call to action. The rising drowning toll demands that each of us steps up. It’s not enough to “hope for the best” — we must be ready. Because when the water is involved, the margin for error is tiny. And a single moment of distraction or under-preparedness can cost a life. Conclusion: This summer, let’s go beyond “fun at the water”. Let’s commit to smart, safe, prepared time wherever we swim, sail, fish or splash. Let’s ask ourselves — Are You Summer Ready? And when the answer is “Yes”, you’ll not only enjoy more — you’ll protect more. For more information and to download campaign resources, visit ARE YOU SUMMER READY 6 Nov 2025 Are You Summer Ready: A Wake Up Call for Water Safety News and Media < Back to News Summer is around the corner — the time when we relax, reconnect with family and friends, head to the beach, pool or river. But it’s also the time when the water becomes riskier. The latest data from the National Drowning Report 2025 shows a sharp and alarming increase in drowning fatalities across Australia. That’s why we’re launching the Are You Summer Ready campaign: to make sure Australians not only enjoy our waterways — but stay safe around them. Why we need this campaign — the hard facts: Australia recorded 357 drowning deaths between July 2024 and June 2025 — a 27% increase on the ten-year average. 43% of those deaths happened in coastal locations (154 deaths) and 34% in inland waterways including rivers, lakes and dams (122 deaths). Rivers/creeks remain one of the deadliest settings — 99 drowning deaths occurred in rivers alone. Swimming pools accounted for 10% of the deaths (35 fatalities) and of those, 68% were in backyard pools. The summer‐specific toll (Dec–Feb) also rose: 104 lives lost to drowning in summer 2024/25, up 5% on last summer and 14% on the five‐year average. Males continue to be vastly over-represented in drowning deaths (over 80 % in many categories). These numbers are a wake-up call. What the “Are You Summer Ready?” campaign means: We’re asking every Australian: Are you ready? Not just physically, but mentally, behaviourally, and socially. The campaign invites you to check in on three key fronts: Your knowledge of risk. Do you know the hidden hazards of rivers and remote inland waterways? Are you aware of rip currents at the beach? Have you checked your pool gates, your supervision, your environment? Your personal preparedness. Feeling fit, alert, off medication if it affects your balance or swimming ability? Do you know your limits in the water, and are you ready to act if someone in your group gets into trouble? Your family and community readiness. Are children supervised? Are non-swimmers supported? Is your group aware, and committed to staying safe, not just having fun? Because drowning prevention is as much about social behaviour as it is about swimming skill. How to Get Summer Ready Being Summer Ready means taking simple but life-saving steps before you hit the water.Royal Life Saving is encouraging all Australians to take five key actions this summer: 🟠 Learn the Risks Understand the dangers of different waterways — beaches, rivers, and backyard pools each carry unique risks. Make informed choices about where and how you swim. 🟡 Enrol in Swimming Lessons It’s never too early or too late to learn. Swimming lessons build confidence and save lives — for kids, adults, and older Australians returning to the water. 🔴 Update Your First Aid Skills Knowing CPR and first aid could make the difference between life and death. Take a refresher course and ensure your whole family knows what to do in an emergency. 🟠 Prepare Your Home Check pool fences, gates, and any water hazards around the home. Small changes — like a self-closing gate or a visible CPR sign — can prevent tragedy. 🟡 Get Active Enjoy the water safely. Swimming, walking, and water exercise not only boost your health but help you stay confident and capable around aquatic environments. How we’re rolling this out: Digital and social media tiles and videos under the hashtag #AreYouSummerReady . Community posters and checklists for families, pools, venues, schools — developed and available for download. (See campaign homepage.) Partnerships with water-management agencies, local councils and aquatic facilities to amplify the message in regions, especially remote and regional where drowning rates are higher. Engagement with regional communities to help bridge the equity gap in drowning risk. Why it matters to you (and your workplace/facility): Whether you manage a pool, organise children’s activities, are a parent, a teacher, a community leader or simply someone who loves being near water — this isn’t just a campaign. It’s a call to action. The rising drowning toll demands that each of us steps up. It’s not enough to “hope for the best” — we must be ready. Because when the water is involved, the margin for error is tiny. And a single moment of distraction or under-preparedness can cost a life. Conclusion: This summer, let’s go beyond “fun at the water”. Let’s commit to smart, safe, prepared time wherever we swim, sail, fish or splash. Let’s ask ourselves — Are You Summer Ready? And when the answer is “Yes”, you’ll not only enjoy more — you’ll protect more. For more information and to download campaign resources, visit ARE YOU SUMMER READY Previous Next < Back to News Related Posts A Great Day on the Green at the Drowning Prevention Golf Day News and Media National Drowning Report 2026: New South Wales drowning toll reinforces need for action News and Media Celebrate World First Aid Day with 10% Off First Aid Training News and Media

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This summer, Royal Life Saving NSW successfully delivered 3 Outback Lifesaver Programs across regional NSW. Over 90 kids from Scone, Wagga Wagga and Inverell eagerly participated in Outback Lifesavers; a program focused on essential swimming, lifesaving, and water safety skills unique to inland waterways, and the challenges these environments present. Participants learnt a variety of lifesaving skills including rescue techniques, board paddling, CPR, survival swimming, safe entries and exits, first aid and emergency management. These skills are vital to ensure children can enjoy a lifetime of fun in, on and around water. Initiatives like our Outback Lifesaver program further support a child’s social skills and confidence, ability to react in an emergency and equip them with skills for life! We would like to thank the team at Oasis Aquatic Centre Wagga Wagga and Community Aquatics Scone along with Katina Johns for their knowledge, passion, and support in getting the programs up and running within these communities. Interested in becoming an Outback Lifesaver partner for our 2023/24 summer? Contact our Lifesaving Participation Coordinator georginaryan@royalnsw.com.au to explore the benefits for your community. 2 Feb 2023 A Successful Summer of Lifesaving for Kids in Regional NSW! Swimming & Lifesaving < Back to News This summer, Royal Life Saving NSW successfully delivered 3 Outback Lifesaver Programs across regional NSW. Over 90 kids from Scone, Wagga Wagga and Inverell eagerly participated in Outback Lifesavers; a program focused on essential swimming, lifesaving, and water safety skills unique to inland waterways, and the challenges these environments present. Participants learnt a variety of lifesaving skills including rescue techniques, board paddling, CPR, survival swimming, safe entries and exits, first aid and emergency management. These skills are vital to ensure children can enjoy a lifetime of fun in, on and around water. Initiatives like our Outback Lifesaver program further support a child’s social skills and confidence, ability to react in an emergency and equip them with skills for life! We would like to thank the team at Oasis Aquatic Centre Wagga Wagga and Community Aquatics Scone along with Katina Johns for their knowledge, passion, and support in getting the programs up and running within these communities. Interested in becoming an Outback Lifesaver partner for our 2023/24 summer? Contact our Lifesaving Participation Coordinator georginaryan@royalnsw.com.au to explore the benefits for your community. Previous Next < Back to News Related Posts A Great Day on the Green at the Drowning Prevention Golf Day News and Media National Drowning Report 2026: New South Wales drowning toll reinforces need for action News and Media Celebrate World First Aid Day with 10% Off First Aid Training News and Media

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Give your child the skills to enjoy a lifetime of fun on the water. Our Programs start for children 6months of ageand extend for all Australian young and old. EDUCATION / WATER SAFETY EDUCATION We work with individuals, organisations and communities to provide practical water safety education targeted to your needs Water Safety Information Our research helps to highlight those who are most at risk of drowning to ensure we provide the best advice on how people can enjoy are waters safely. Water Safety Research Water Safety Tips Water Safety Campaigns Multicultural Education Pre School Education Primary School Education High School Education School Education Schedule a visit with our swimming and water safety team who will come to you and deliver age specific content all mapped to the Australian Curriculumn and NSW Syllabus and Early Years Learning Framework Education Programs Our Community Water Safety Programs are an interactive and engaging program that is tailored to you and your community. Educaion Programs Water Safety Talks and Presentations Ngadyung New Mums Water Safety Water Safety Education Excursions CPR and First Aid Awareness Become a Swimming and Water Safety Teacher Become a Community Educator Contact Us Royal Life Saving is active across all communities. Our members, volunteers, trainers, employees and lifesavers are found in almost all communities. Contact Us

9192f861-c28c-4554-a0fe-cb44af060eeb Stage 4- First Aid Awareness Royal Life Saving is an international leader in lifesaving education programs. Learn how to save lives in and around a range of aquatic environments Menu > Stage 4 - Lifesaving > Stage 5 - Lifesaving > Stage 4- First Aid Awareness > Stage 5- First Aid Awareness > Swim Safe Swim Sober The High School First Aid Awareness Program is a tool for High School Teachers in teaching students how to be a safe, active and responsible citizens in everyday situations. The focus is on teaching students how to respond to realistic scenarios leading to injury. Students need to actively apply basic first aid principles and where applicable, determine preventative actions where risky behaviour is a precursor to injury. First aid content is divided into 5 key injury areas - Bites, Breaks, Burns, Bleeds and Breathing. Teacher resources provide a framework for lessons/topics, scenario content and the corresponding first aid treatment students need to determine and demonstrate. Content has been written to align to the Australian and NSW Health and Physical Education Curriculums meaning teachers can deliver the content whilst ensuring they are meeting curriculum outcomes. Curriculum for stage 4: AUS: ACPPS072 - Practise and apply strategies to seek help for themselves or others NSW: PD4 - 7, PD4-9, PD4-10 Enrol Now

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Royal Life Saving is encouraging our states and communities to pledge action against drowning this World Drowning Prevention Day, 25 July 2022. Marking its second consecutive year, the annual day proclaimed by United Nations expresses the key message to take one action, to do one thing to prevent drownings. With a 30 percent rise in drowning experienced last summer and successive floods across the country, it is more important than ever to be vigilant and mindful of our surroundings no matter the water environment. “If you are camping, and go fishing with your mates on the river, it’s as simple as wearing a lifejacket, or parents actively supervising their kids around water. We can all take these steps to ensure we are all protected and safe around all waterways,” said Michael Ilinsky, CEO of Royal Life Saving NSW-ACT-TAS What one thing, one action will you take to prevent drowning? Let us know in the comments! More information and resources can be found on the Royal Life Saving Australia website. 25 July 2022 Do one thing to help prevent drownings as we mark World Drowning Prevention Day 2022 Drowning Prevention < Back to News Royal Life Saving is encouraging our states and communities to pledge action against drowning this World Drowning Prevention Day, 25 July 2022. Marking its second consecutive year, the annual day proclaimed by United Nations expresses the key message to take one action, to do one thing to prevent drownings. With a 30 percent rise in drowning experienced last summer and successive floods across the country, it is more important than ever to be vigilant and mindful of our surroundings no matter the water environment. “ If you are camping, and go fishing with your mates on the river, it’s as simple as wearing a lifejacket, or parents actively supervising their kids around water. We can all take these steps to ensure we are all protected and safe around all waterways ,” said Michael Ilinsky, CEO of Royal Life Saving NSW-ACT-TAS What one thing, one action will you take to prevent drowning? Let us know in the comments! More information and resources can be found on the Royal Life Saving Australia website. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUR6T4eoJn4 Previous Next < Back to News Related Posts A Great Day on the Green at the Drowning Prevention Golf Day News and Media National Drowning Report 2026: New South Wales drowning toll reinforces need for action News and Media Celebrate World First Aid Day with 10% Off First Aid Training News and Media

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Residents on the north coast town of Casino are excited as the upgrade of the Casino Memorial Swimming Pool is nearing completion. After the past 3 seasons without a pool, patrons and user groups have had to travel to other areas for a swim or aquatic activity. The redevelopment is part of Council’s ongoing commitment to provide high-quality recreational facilities to the Richmond Valley community. The existing pool was originally built in 1952 and was extensively refurbished in 1983. Council began working on a concept master plan six years ago, with the first draft put on public exhibition in late 2018, and subsequently refined following public input. The scope of the project has been expanded to deliver what will become a high quality year-round recreational facility for Casino and the Richmond Valley communities. Key elements of the master plan are: Construction of a new eight-lane 50m pool, with new filtration system and heating. Construction of a 25m indoor heated pool to allow lap swimming along with all-age exercise and learn-to-swim classes, with retractable walls and doors for open air use during summer. Construction of a shaded water play space with sprays, fountains, and jets and a shallow splash area to 0.7m deep. Entrance upgrade and paved forecourt. Refurbishment of the existing shower facilities and change rooms, complying with current WHS and mobility access standards including non-slip flooring, new showers and plumbing fixtures. Upgraded gym and new swimming club house. New large twin flume water slide. One key benefit of the new facility will be the replacement of the current 50m pool with an eight-lane heated pool, open for at least 10 months of the year. The facility will be managed by the team at Richmond Valley Aquatics. There are currently positions available at the pool including a Management position. Richmond Valley Aquatics are proud partners of the Keep Watch @ Public Pools program and utilise RLS training services for all their staff qualification needs. Pictured below are the concept drawings submitted by the successful tenderer, Facility Design Group Pty Ltd, as well as progress images supplied by Richmond Valley Aquatics 9 Aug 2023 Upgrade of Casino Memorial Swimming Pool nearing completion News and Media < Back to News Residents on the north coast town of Casino are excited as the upgrade of the Casino Memorial Swimming Pool is nearing completion. After the past 3 seasons without a pool, patrons and user groups have had to travel to other areas for a swim or aquatic activity. The redevelopment is part of Council’s ongoing commitment to provide high-quality recreational facilities to the Richmond Valley community. The existing pool was originally built in 1952 and was extensively refurbished in 1983. Council began working on a concept master plan six years ago, with the first draft put on public exhibition in late 2018, and subsequently refined following public input. The scope of the project has been expanded to deliver what will become a high quality year-round recreational facility for Casino and the Richmond Valley communities. Key elements of the master plan are: Construction of a new eight-lane 50m pool, with new filtration system and heating. Construction of a 25m indoor heated pool to allow lap swimming along with all-age exercise and learn-to-swim classes, with retractable walls and doors for open air use during summer. Construction of a shaded water play space with sprays, fountains, and jets and a shallow splash area to 0.7m deep. Entrance upgrade and paved forecourt. Refurbishment of the existing shower facilities and change rooms, complying with current WHS and mobility access standards including non-slip flooring, new showers and plumbing fixtures. Upgraded gym and new swimming club house. New large twin flume water slide. One key benefit of the new facility will be the replacement of the current 50m pool with an eight-lane heated pool, open for at least 10 months of the year. The facility will be managed by the team at Richmond Valley Aquatics. There are currently positions available at the pool including a Management position. Richmond Valley Aquatics are proud partners of the Keep Watch @ Public Pools program and utilise RLS training services for all their staff qualification needs. Pictured below are the concept drawings submitted by the successful tenderer, Facility Design Group Pty Ltd, as well as progress images supplied by Richmond Valley Aquatics Previous Next < Back to News Related Posts A Great Day on the Green at the Drowning Prevention Golf Day News and Media National Drowning Report 2026: New South Wales drowning toll reinforces need for action News and Media Celebrate World First Aid Day with 10% Off First Aid Training News and Media

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Ashmont Public School recognises swimming as a vital life skill and believes that every student should have the opportunity to learn it. Many families in the community face financial barriers that prevent them from accessing lessons, and by participating in Project Elevate, the school aimed to ensure equitable access to swimming and water safety education while also supporting students’ overall wellbeing through physical activity and movement. As the program progressed, students demonstrated significant improvements in both confidence and ability. They became much more comfortable in the water, happily putting their faces in and trusting their own ability to stand safely. Those working on stroke development were proud to see themselves swimming further with correct arm and leg movements, while others built trust in their skills and overcame their initial hesitation. The program created a sense of achievement that could be seen in the big smiles on students’ faces when they reached their goals. Project Elevate closely supported the school’s educational and wellbeing priorities. It reflected key learning outcomes from the NSW PDHPE syllabus, catered for students of all skill levels, and encouraged full participation. By fostering resilience, healthy lifestyles, and emotional regulation, the program not only helped students to develop as swimmers but also supported their physical, mental, and social wellbeing. Families and staff provided strong positive feedback, and the program contributed to a more positive school culture overall. Because the program was delivered at no cost, a larger percentage of students were able to participate than in previous years. This removed a significant barrier for families and allowed more children to experience the benefits of swimming and water safety education. The impact extended beyond the lessons themselves, with students looking forward to summer and feeling confident about swimming in the carnival. Ashmont Public School strongly recommends Project Elevate to other schools, describing it as well organised, engaging, and accessible to all students. It catered to the diverse needs of their learners and left students more confident and capable in the water. For the school community, Project Elevate provided far more than swimming lessons; it delivered essential life skills, boosted wellbeing, and created opportunities that families in a low socioeconomic area may not otherwise have had. The program’s success was evident in the growth, confidence, and joy it brought to students, leaving a lasting impact on both the school and its community. 8 Oct 2025 The People of Project Elevate Ashmont Primary School Drowning Prevention < Back to News Ashmont Public School recognises swimming as a vital life skill and believes that every student should have the opportunity to learn it. Many families in the community face financial barriers that prevent them from accessing lessons, and by participating in Project Elevate, the school aimed to ensure equitable access to swimming and water safety education while also supporting students’ overall wellbeing through physical activity and movement. As the program progressed, students demonstrated significant improvements in both confidence and ability. They became much more comfortable in the water, happily putting their faces in and trusting their own ability to stand safely. Those working on stroke development were proud to see themselves swimming further with correct arm and leg movements, while others built trust in their skills and overcame their initial hesitation. The program created a sense of achievement that could be seen in the big smiles on students’ faces when they reached their goals. Project Elevate closely supported the school’s educational and wellbeing priorities. It reflected key learning outcomes from the NSW PDHPE syllabus, catered for students of all skill levels, and encouraged full participation. By fostering resilience, healthy lifestyles, and emotional regulation, the program not only helped students to develop as swimmers but also supported their physical, mental, and social wellbeing. Families and staff provided strong positive feedback, and the program contributed to a more positive school culture overall. Because the program was delivered at no cost, a larger percentage of students were able to participate than in previous years. This removed a significant barrier for families and allowed more children to experience the benefits of swimming and water safety education. The impact extended beyond the lessons themselves, with students looking forward to summer and feeling confident about swimming in the carnival. Ashmont Public School strongly recommends Project Elevate to other schools, describing it as well organised, engaging, and accessible to all students. It catered to the diverse needs of their learners and left students more confident and capable in the water. For the school community, Project Elevate provided far more than swimming lessons; it delivered essential life skills, boosted wellbeing, and created opportunities that families in a low socioeconomic area may not otherwise have had. The program’s success was evident in the growth, confidence, and joy it brought to students, leaving a lasting impact on both the school and its community. Previous Next < Back to News Related Posts A Great Day on the Green at the Drowning Prevention Golf Day News and Media National Drowning Report 2026: New South Wales drowning toll reinforces need for action News and Media Celebrate World First Aid Day with 10% Off First Aid Training News and Media

Each year Royal Life Saving Society NSW presents Commendation Awards to those people who have displayed outstanding initiative, expertise, and empathy towards their fellow human beings by applying lifesaving skills in emergency situations and sometimes at risk to themselves. We were extremely honoured to have our Patron, Her Excellency The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC Governor of New South Wales host the Ceremony at Government House Sydney on Thursday 8 February 2024. 11 Certificates of Commendation were presented to members of the general public and 14 NSW Police Awards to officers of the New South Wales Police Force at the ceremony. Recipients are from all corners of NSW, from Forbes to Northern NSW and the greater Sydney region, and from the boarders of Queensland and Victoria. Presenting the Commendations, Her Excellency Margaret Beazley said the courageous actions to save the life of a fellow human being amidst great danger reflect the pinnacle of selflessness and human compassion. “Being equipped with first aid skills and knowing what to do in these situations is an important responsibility for each of us. I thank and honour the remarkable people we have gathered here today who have exhibited just that. Your bravery and selflessness are truly extraordinary.” Royal Life Saving President, Mr Jim Whiteside, thanked the recipients for their instinctive call to offer assistance, their selfless responses and quick-thinking action in the rescue, attempted rescue, resuscitative or first aid efforts. “Many of these outstanding recipients were not trained professionals. They called on past first aid or CPR training during stressful situations and embody Royal Life Saving’s vision for a community equipped with the skills to support one another,” Mr Whiteside said. “In the 130th year of the Royal Life Saving Society, there is nothing more significant than to honour the efforts of these individuals. It also provides a timely reminder for community-wide recognition that we all have a role to play in keeping one another safe. We are inspired.” COMMENDATION AWARD Ms Thao Havebond Mr Alberto Torres Perez Mr Ethan Goldsmith Mr Michael Brown Mr Mark Hayes Mr Frank Schlie Mr Cooper Morgan Mr Lachlan O’Callaghan Mr Nathan Kirkwood Mr Marko Skourmallas Mr David Finn NSW POLICE AWARD Detective Senior Constable Brady Blanch Chief Inspector Garry Sims APM Constable Samuel Carpenter Probationary Constable Huw Moore Senior Constable Emily Riley Sergeant Virginia McPherson Senior Constable Christopher Lynch Senior Constable Adam Cooper Senior Constable Craig Michell Senior Constable Timothy Lockwood Constable Nicholas Murray Senior Constable Robert McCallum Sergeant Paul Nicoll We thank and honour the incredible efforts of these recipients and all those nominated whose courage and selflessness is truly remarkable. To learn more about these extraordinary individuals please refer to our 2024 NSW Commendations Awards Ceremony booklet below. Photo credit @robtuckwellphotography 9 Feb 2024 NSW Governor commends community life savers in Royal Life Saving awards ceremony News and Media < Back to News Each year Royal Life Saving Society NSW presents Commendation Awards to those people who have displayed outstanding initiative, expertise, and empathy towards their fellow human beings by applying lifesaving skills in emergency situations and sometimes at risk to themselves. We were extremely honoured to have our Patron, Her Excellency The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC Governor of New South Wales host the Ceremony at Government House Sydney on Thursday 8 February 2024. 11 Certificates of Commendation were presented to members of the general public and 14 NSW Police Awards to officers of the New South Wales Police Force at the ceremony. Recipients are from all corners of NSW, from Forbes to Northern NSW and the greater Sydney region, and from the boarders of Queensland and Victoria. Presenting the Commendations, Her Excellency Margaret Beazley said the courageous actions to save the life of a fellow human being amidst great danger reflect the pinnacle of selflessness and human compassion. “Being equipped with first aid skills and knowing what to do in these situations is an important responsibility for each of us. I thank and honour the remarkable people we have gathered here today who have exhibited just that. Your bravery and selflessness are truly extraordinary.” Royal Life Saving President, Mr Jim Whiteside, thanked the recipients for their instinctive call to offer assistance, their selfless responses and quick-thinking action in the rescue, attempted rescue, resuscitative or first aid efforts. “Many of these outstanding recipients were not trained professionals. They called on past first aid or CPR training during stressful situations and embody Royal Life Saving’s vision for a community equipped with the skills to support one another,” Mr Whiteside said. “In the 130th year of the Royal Life Saving Society, there is nothing more significant than to honour the efforts of these individuals. It also provides a timely reminder for community-wide recognition that we all have a role to play in keeping one another safe. We are inspired.” C OMMENDATION AWARD Ms Thao Havebond Mr Alberto Torres Perez Mr Ethan Goldsmith Mr Michael Brown Mr Mark Hayes Mr Frank Schlie Mr Cooper Morgan Mr Lachlan O’Callaghan Mr Nathan Kirkwood Mr Marko Skourmallas Mr David Finn NSW POLICE AWARD Detective Senior Constable Brady Blanch Chief Inspector Garry Sims APM Constable Samuel Carpenter Probationary Constable Huw Moore Senior Constable Emily Riley Sergeant Virginia McPherson Senior Constable Christopher Lynch Senior Constable Adam Cooper Senior Constable Craig Michell Senior Constable Timothy Lockwood Constable Nicholas Murray Senior Constable Robert McCallum Sergeant Paul Nicoll We thank and honour the incredible efforts of these recipients and all those nominated whose courage and selflessness is truly remarkable. To learn more about these extraordinary individuals please refer to our 2024 NSW Commendations Awards Ceremony booklet below. Photo credit @robtuckwellphotography 2024 NSW Commendation Awards Ceremony Citation Booklet (1) .pdf Download PDF • 5.64MB Previous Next < Back to News Related Posts A Great Day on the Green at the Drowning Prevention Golf Day News and Media National Drowning Report 2026: New South Wales drowning toll reinforces need for action News and Media Celebrate World First Aid Day with 10% Off First Aid Training News and Media

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