The ILS Board has awarded the ‘ILS Bravery Award 2006’ to Stuart Harvey for his courage, professionalism and bravery during a rescue action on the Central Coast.

Stuart is a school teacher and also Director of Surf Life Saving on the Central coast. He has been involved in lifesaving for 29 years and is one of the main training officers.

On January 29 Stuart was on the beach with his wife for relaxing and a swim. He was informed that people were in trouble in the water and without hesitation he went in the water to their rescue. The conditions were very bad and Stuart was forced to make the conscious decision of saving himself and 1 of the 2 victims.

Surf Life Saving Australia awarded Stuart with the highest SLSA Bravery Award the Silver Medallion Meritorious Award’. The ILS Board supported this recognition of this extreme heroic action.

The ILS President presented the Award to Stuart at the occasion of the NSW State Surf Life Saving Championships at Elouera Beach in Sydney in front of 6000 competitors and a crowd of 20000 spectators.