Royal Life Saving ACT Marks 50 Years of Saving Lives

Royal Life Saving ACT is celebrating a significant milestone marking 50 years of drowning prevention, water safety education and lifesaving impact across the Territory.

This week, the organisation commemorated the occasion with a series of industry and Parliamentary events, culminating in the presentation of the prestigious Royal Life Saving Commendation Awards—recognising individuals who have demonstrated outstanding courage, skill and initiative in emergency situations.

Recognising Lifesaving Excellence

At a special event held at the ACT Legislative Assembly, Royal Life Saving ACT President Jim Whiteside acknowledged the remarkable efforts of this year’s Commendation recipients.

“These outstanding individuals demonstrated the ability to remain calm under pressure and take decisive action in a challenging rescue. Their empathy, capability and willingness to help others reflects the very best of our community.”

This year’s recipients were three Parks Australia Rangers:

• Brandon Green

• Andrew Van Oploo

• Anthony Roberts

  
  

They were recognised alongside members of the Australian Federal Police for their roles in a complex rescue at Booderee National Park in 2024.

A Rescue in Challenging Conditions

Shortly before 4:00pm, Rangers responded to reports of a man who had fallen from rocks into the ocean near Governor’s Head lookout.

Upon arrival, they located the man in the water, clinging to a partially submerged backpack. Disoriented and unable to self-rescue, he was at immediate risk.

Without hesitation, the Rangers entered the water, safely bringing the man to a nearby rock shelf and initiating care while coordinating with emergency services.

In difficult terrain, with fading light and limited access, the situation required careful coordination. Working alongside first responders, the team sourced a rescue boat—the only viable option—and, in challenging conditions, swam the man to safety for transport to hospital.

Their actions demonstrated not only technical skill, but calm decision-making, teamwork and a deep commitment to the safety of others.

A Legacy of Impact in the ACT

The recognition of these individuals comes at a special time, as Royal Life Saving marks five decades of service in the ACT.

Over the past 50 years, the organisation has played a vital role in building safer communities by equipping people with the skills and knowledge to prevent and respond to emergencies in and around water.

In the ACT alone, Royal Life Saving has:

• Trained more than 5,000 pool lifeguards

• Trained over 7,500 swim teachers and instructors

• Delivered more than 100,000 individual lessons in the past 12 months

From backyard pools and local lakes to rivers, dams and waterways, generations of Canberrans have benefited from lifesaving education and training.

Building a Community Prepared to Respond

The Royal Life Saving Commendations are a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when individuals are equipped with the right skills—and the confidence to act.

“These recipients embody our vision for a community where people are prepared, capable and willing to support one another in an emergency,” Mr Whiteside said.

As Royal Life Saving looks ahead to the future, its focus remains clear: continuing to strengthen community capability, expand access to water safety education, and reduce drowning across all environments.

Celebrating 50 Years—and Looking Forward

While this milestone is an opportunity to reflect on 50 years of impact, it is also a reminder of the work still to be done.

Every year, Royal Life Saving continues to empower individuals, families and communities with the knowledge and skills needed to stay safe around water—and to respond when it matters most.

Congratulations to all 2026 Commendation recipients, and thank you to everyone who has contributed to building safer communities over the past 50 years.