Bravery Awards recognise lifesaving skills in action across WA's aquatic industry

Aquatic and recreation professionals who put their lifesaving skills, knowledge and quick thinking into action during serious emergencies have been recognised at the 2026 Royal Life Saving WA Bravery Awards, proudly supported by BHP, Principal Community Partner.

From administering CPR and first aid to performing complex water rescues, this year's recipients demonstrated the importance of having the skills and confidence to respond when someone needs help.

LIWA Aquatics congratulates the lifeguards, aquatic officers, recreation centre staff and community members recognised for their actions across Western Australia. Their responses highlight the critical role of ongoing training, emergency preparedness and teamwork in aquatic facilities, where unexpected emergencies can occur both in and out of the water.

These awards celebrate the individuals who put their training into practice when it mattered most, making a significant difference to the lives of others.

Recognising Bravery in Aquatic Facilities

Cannington Leisureplex

• Gold Medallion Bravery Awards — Tahlia Cappeluti, Bish Bhattarai, Hunter Stone
• Gold Star Bravery Award — Jovana Tutulic

When a badminton player collapsed at Cannington Leisureplex, staff and community member Bish worked together to provide CPR, defibrillation and oxygen. Their coordinated response helped restore the man's independent breathing, with care continuing until paramedics arrived.

Cockburn ARC – Child Resuscitation

• Gold Medallion Bravery Award — Nick Collins
• Gold Star Bravery Awards — Sienna Cummins, Jack Hadley, Aleksandar Ilic
• Bravery Commendation — Melissa Justins

Lifeguard Nick Collins commenced CPR on an unconscious three-year-old child who was not breathing. Supported by his colleagues, the team worked together to provide emergency care, with the child regaining responsiveness and breathing independently before paramedics arrived.

Cockburn ARC – Gym Emergency

• Gold Medallion Bravery Awards — Natalie Tessarin, Aarya Rai
• Bravery Commendations — Jenaya Vincent, Will Johnson

When a gym member collapsed, Natalie and Aarya administered CPR and used a defibrillator to resuscitate him. Jenaya and Will supported the response and maintained the man's privacy until paramedics arrived. The team's swift and professional actions contributed to his full recovery.

Fremantle Leisure Centre

• Gold Medallion Bravery Awards — Keely Sear, Dylan Groves, Posy O'Keefe, Francis Curro
• Bravery Commendations — Tammy Martin, Kasey Walton, Simon Redmond

When a patron was found unconscious in the water, Francis retrieved him before staff commenced CPR and airway care. Their coordinated efforts successfully restored his breathing and circulation, with the man making a full recovery following two days in hospital.

Regional Aquatic Professionals Recognised in Port Hedland

Aquatic facility staff from the Town of Port Hedland will also be recognised at a local ceremony for their responses to three separate emergencies at South Hedland and Gratwick aquatic centres.

South Hedland Aquatic Centre – Medical Emergency

• Gold Medallion Bravery Awards — Brant Shelton, Steele McCreevy
• Bravery Commendations — Blake Vrtacic, Joel Vannunspeet

When a young girl experienced a serious medical emergency while swimming, Brant entered the water to bring her safely to the pool edge. His colleagues coordinated assistance, administered oxygen and maintained supervision across the facility. Their calm and organised response ensured the girl received appropriate care while the safety of other patrons was maintained.

South Hedland Aquatic Centre – Deep Water Rescue

• Gold Medallion Bravery Awards — Kimberley Stubbs, Vedmund Acheampong

Lifeguard Vedmund entered the water to assist a distressed swimmer who had moved into deeper water and begun to panic. When the patron repeatedly pulled Vedmund beneath the surface, Duty Manager Kimberley entered the water to assist. Together, they safely brought the man to the pool edge and provided oxygen and ongoing care. Their actions demonstrated exceptional courage, adaptability and rescue skills in a situation that placed both the patron and rescuers at risk.

Gratwick Aquatic Centre

• Gold Medallion Bravery Awards — Blake Vrtacic, Stephen Waterman

When two women became distressed in the deep end of the 50-metre pool, Stephen entered the water to assist while Blake retrieved rescue equipment. Working together, they safely removed both women, including one experiencing significant pain who required spinal board assistance. Their continued assessment, first aid and communication with emergency services ensured the injured woman received appropriate care before being transported to hospital, where she subsequently made a full recovery.

Aquatic Industry Bravery Beyond the Workplace

Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre – Off-Duty Response

• Gold Medallion Bravery Awards — Debbie Gillard, Debbie Chappell
• Gold Star Bravery Awards — Niamh Chappell, Beatrix Chappell

Debbie Gillard, an aquatic industry professional at Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre, was off duty when she helped respond to a family medical emergency. After 10-year-old Niamh and seven-year-old Beatrix sought assistance when their grandmother lost consciousness, Debbie Gillard and Debbie Chappell administered CPR until paramedics arrived. Their grandmother regained consciousness two days later. Their actions highlight how lifesaving skills can make a critical difference beyond the aquatic workplace.

A Testament to training, teamwork and professionalism

LIWA Aquatics extends its sincere congratulations to all award recipients for their courage, professionalism and commitment to the safety of others.

These incidents are a reminder of the serious and often confronting situations aquatic professionals can face, and the importance of ongoing training, emergency preparedness and strong teamwork. They also reinforce the value of supporting staff who experience critical incidents in the course of their work.

LIWA acknowledges the extraordinary actions of these individuals and the dedication of aquatic professionals across Western Australia who work every day to keep their communities safe.

Click here to see the full list of recipients.