Medallion presented to Frank Beaurepaire by SLSA of NSW for rescuing a shark attack victim at Coogee Beach in 1922 Medallion presented to Frank Beaurepaire by SLSA of NSW for rescuing a shark attack victim at Coogee Beach in 1922 (1922)Australian Sports Museum
In Australia, Meritorious Awards are awarded to affiliated clubs, their members and the public, for outstanding deeds of bravery performed during life saving operations of Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA).
Medallion presented to Frank Beaurepaire by SLSA of NSW for rescuing a shark attack victim at Coogee Beach in 1922Australian Sports Museum
Three medals of honour have been given to members of the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club for their tremendous acts of bravery in surf life saving.
Jack Chalmers (1921)North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club
Club Members had gathered at Coogee for a Surf Race. A reel not in use was hurried out to the rocks but had no belt on it. Chalmers tied the rope around his waist and swam to the swimmer.
It was noted as an act of exceptional bravery. Chalmers received the Albert Cross (the highest civil award) and was awarded the first ever Meritorious Award for demonstrating the ideals of Vigilance & Service.
Frank Beaurepaire
Frank Beaurepaire assisted with the rescue of Milton Coughlan after he was attacked by a shark at Coogee beach on February 4, 1922.
Gold medallion awarded to Frank Beaurepaire, for rescuing a shark attack victim at Coogee Beach in 1922 (1922)Australian Sports Museum
Beaurepaire, a current Australian Swimming Champion, swam to assist Coughlan who had been attacked and fellow North Bondi member Jack Chalmers, who had swum out with a line to effect the rescue.
Beaurepaire did not have a reel and line but dived in unaided to assist. His courage saw him receive the Surf Life Saving’s second Meritorious Award.
Meritorious Award Recipient Rob Chalmers (1923)North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club
Rob Chalmers
Rob Chalmers effected one of the most famous rescues of all times on March 18, 1923 at North Bondi beach. He risked his life to save a young girl, Miss Kirby, who had been swept of the rocks at Ben Buckler.
Chalmers grabbed the belt to swim to aid Miss Kirby. The journey was so perilous that a second line had to be joined to the first (some 800 yards of line) to enable him to reach her.
Certificate of Merit Issued by Royal Shipwreck Relief & Humane Society of NSW (1923-05-10)North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club
Chalmers reached the girl who could not swim. The Doherty brothers quickly launched the boat from the Fisherman’s Club and managed to haul Chalmers and Miss Kirby aboard, getting them to safety.
The 'reel crew' who had assisted Chalmers were given the Royal Humane Society Certificate of Merit. Chalmers was awarded the Surf Life Saving’s third Meritorious Award.
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