The awards celebrate individuals who stepped forward to help others—often complete strangers—demonstrating exceptional compassion and resourcefulness in critical moments. Drowning remains the third-leading cause of unintentional death in Manitoba, making water safety and rescue preparedness a continuing priority across the province.
2026 Rescue Commendation Award Recipients
Individual Recipients:
- Alex Plante
- Tegan Nagorski
- Knox Nickel
- Dan Nickel
- Preston Waide Houle
Pinawa Fire & Rescue Service
- Wayne Boers
- Bryn Wallach
- Matt Kryschuk
- Jeff Harding
- Ivan Nychiai
- Robert Petkau
- Joe Stefaniuk
Additional honours presented during the ceremony included the M.G. Griffiths Award, Commonwealth Honour and Service Commendation Awards, and the Bar to Service Medal.
As the Lifesaving Society reminds Manitobans, “Whomsoever you see in distress, recognize in them a fellow human being.” The award recipients’ actions exemplify that principle, demonstrating how ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference when seconds matter most.
