Royal Life Saving Bravery Awards Structure

The Royal Life Saving Bravery Awards are awarded in two categories:

Community

Awarded to members of the general public who respond to emergency incidents. This category is open to both adults and children. It also includes responses from professionals acting in an ‘off duty’ situation.

Professional

Awarded to individuals who respond to incidents during their work for which they are trained but are not part of their day-today duties. This includes, but is not limited to, aquatic centre staff and police officers.

AWARD LEVELS

There are six tiered awards to represent the different actions taken, as well as to place them in an order which recognises the degree of difficulty and execution of the rescue.

The awards are listed below in hierarchical order with a brief explanation of the criteria for which they may be awarded.

Distinction Bravery Award

For demonstrating acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril with disregard for their own personal safety. In addition the candidate must have demonstrated exceptional judgement, an extremely advanced level of skill and immense speed in the execution of the action taken. The award consists of a framed certificate and a printed plaque.

Award of Merit

For exceptional rescue/resuscitation events for either the general public or professional sector, where the candidate has shown exceptional judgement utilising an advanced level of skill. In addition, the recipient must have demonstrated immense speed in the execution of the action taken. The award consists of a framed certificate and a printed plaque.

Gold Cross

For outstanding rescue/resuscitation events for either the general public or professional sector, where the degree of difficulty and/or the candidate's age/skill level is such that the committee recommends one of the highest awards. The award consists of a framed certificate and a gold-plated cross.

Gold Medallion

For rescue/resuscitation events for either the general public or professional sector, where the degree of difficulty is reasonable and/or outside normally expected conditions. The award consists of a framed certificate and a gold-plated medallion.

Gold Star

For simple and normally expected rescue and/or resuscitation events, especially for professionals conducting their expected duties. The award consists of a framed certificate and a gold-plated star.

Bravery Commendation

In recognition of the provision of basic assistance in the event of an emergency or an attempt at a rescue/resuscitation. The award consists of a framed certificate.