The closing date for submissions is 7/08/2026. Any submissions received after 7/08/2025 will not be included in this year’s awards.

Introduction

Water Safety Ireland relies on the efforts and hard work of its committed volunteers – those who again and again willingly contribute their time and skills so that others learn the skills of swimming, lifesaving, Rescue, Risk Assessment and Lifesaving Sport.

Purpose of the Award

The WSI Volunteer of the Year award is a recognition of continuous outstanding dedication, commitment and contribution by a nominee to the successful delivery of vision and mission statements laid down in WSI Strategic Development Plan.

Eligibility

A WSAC Chairperson may nominate one person who, is a current member of WSI with at least five years service, for this prestigious award.

Nomination and Selection Process

The nomination and selection process shall be as follows: Nominations should be submitted on the attached nomination form to arrive at WSI HQ no later than 7/08/2025

Judging Panel

  • A judging Panel shall be approved by the WSI Council consisting of the CEO and three Life Governors.
  • The Judging Panel can only take into consideration what is written on the submission.
  • The Judging Panel’s decision is final, no appeals will be considered.
  • 75% Judging Panel attendance is required to consider the nominations.

Presentation of the Award

The award will be presented at the Annual WSI Awards Ceremony

Guidance for the WSAC Chairman completing the Nomination form

The WSAC Chairman should consider the following headings when completing the Nomination Form
1. Number of classes organised by the nominee
2. Number of classes instructed by the nominee
3. Number of classes examined by the nominee
4. Number of certificates entered by the nominee
5. Number of presentations on prevention campaigns made at Schools and or Exhibitions
6. Number of synergies developed with at risk groups
7. Quantify achievements under the following: Sponsorship, monetary or in kind; amount of fundraising; good will, contacts established
8. Media Coverage achieved by the nominee, radio, TV interviews, articles
9. Administrative work completed by the nominee
10. Service on a WSAC, Commission, Council, working group. Support to the National Office
11. Dissemination of WSi information updates within the WSAC e.g. Bulletin
12. Assistance in developing lifesaving sport
13. Assistance in arranging National Events e.g. Courses, seminars, conferences, meetings & AGM’s
14. Development work with neighbouring WSAC’s
15. Other Criteria that may be considered relevant to this Award.
16. TimeCommitment of the nominee

The WSAC Chairman should note that it is not necessary for to fulfil ALL of the above elements in order to qualify. Two or three of these may suffice dependent on the volume of work and the commitment given to the WSI aims and objectives.