Lifesaving Society - 94th Annual Commonwealth Honour and Rescue Awards Ceremony

March 23, 2006

"Last Saturday I had the honour to meet some great British Columbians who had courageously rescued others under very dangerous situations. They are medal recipients of the Lifesaving Society. At the 94th annual Commonwealth honour and rescue awards ceremony, eight volunteers earned certificates of thanks or service medals.

Nicole Liddell received a service cross for her efforts in establishing supports to water incident research and life-saving sport competitors.

Silver medals were presented to Curtis Besse, Dean Rochon, Lyle Armour, Clinton Coutts, Eloise Drake, Ron Moyen, Lucia Gauvin, Kelly Sherman, Jim Sutherland and Kylie Walsh for meritorious services in saving lives.

Silver medals for bravery, which acknowledge rescue involving significant acts of bravery, were awarded to Hal Fraser Bringeland, Darwyn Hermann, Brad Reber, Garnet Smith and Clayton Hickey.

Clayton Hickey was also presented with a governor's gold medal for the most heroic rescue of the year. He rescued a three-year-old boy trapped under an overturned and sunken boat near the Nanaimo harbour last summer. By acting quickly, diving into the dark water, reaching around and clutching the small leg, he managed to bring the boy to the surface, saving his life.

The boy's father said: "I don't think just anyone could have done that. Some people act, and some people think. But he acted, and I think he is a hero, whether he admits it or not."

Bravery is a precious virtue. I would like the House to join me in honouring these brave British Columbians."

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