People who intervene and prevent a drowning accident are worthy of a medal. This is the view of the Swedish Lifesaving Society, which from this year onwards will be awarding a limited number of the new badge, the Lifesaver Gold.
The general public can nominate individuals who have pulled someone out of the water, raised the alarm, or taken other action in an emergency.
"We want to reward and highlight civil courage, something that is becoming increasingly important in society," comments Mikael Olausson, Secretary-General of the Swedish Lifesaving Society, in a press release.