Lifesaving Bravery Award Guidelines
Water Safety Ireland
Introduction
Water Safety Ireland promotes water safety through education and training, helping people recognise risks and respond effectively in aquatic emergencies.
The Lifesaving Bravery Award recognises members of our national emergency services including the Fire Service, Gardaí, Ambulance personnel and others who demonstrate exceptional courage and decisive action in rescuing individuals facing immediate danger in water.
Purpose of the Award
This award provides national recognition for brave and effective rescue actions in situations where there is a serious and immediate threat to life in an aquatic environment. It focuses on those who act quickly at the scene before specialist rescue services arrive.
Further Clarifications
The following points are intended to provide further definition and clarification to the above statement of purpose.
- Timely intervention: Immediate action to prevent serious harm or loss of life.
- Exemplary rescue: Safe and effective actions in a high-pressure situation
- Aquatic environment: Includes seas, rivers, lakes, pools, vessels, and nearby areas where water presents a danger.
Eligibility
The award is open to individuals working in national services in Ireland who:
- Respond to a genuine aquatic emergency involving danger.
- Take timely and courageous action.
- Make a meaningful contribution to the rescue.
- Act before trained aquatic rescue services arrive, or outside formal rescue roles.
Nominations
Nominations can be submitted by anyone, including organisations and Water Safety Ireland personnel.
Each nomination should clearly describe:
- What happened
- The efforts involved
- The actions taken
- The outcome
- Any supporting evidence or witness statements
Applications can be submitted by email to Water Safety Ireland (awards@watersafety.ie) or use the form below.
Award Presentation
Awards are presented at the annual Water Safety Ireland ceremony, and recipients may be recognised publicly.
Assessment Process
Nominations are reviewed by Head Quarters. All cases are managed confidentially.
Final decisions are made Water Safety Ireland Head Quarters.
Award Categories
Awards are based on the level of risk and impact:
- Lifesaving Bravery Award
- Rescue Appreciation Award
Publicity and Communications
Recipients may be recognised in media and public communications. All publicity is managed by Water Safety Ireland, with respect for privacy and consent.