Remarks by
The Honourable Anita Neville, P.C., O.M.
Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
Royal Lifesaving Society Rescue & Commonwealth Awards
Government House
Thursday, January 26, 2023, 5:00 p.m.
(please check against delivery)
Friends, Manitobans, members and friends of the Royal Lifesaving Society, welcome to Government House for this celebration of courage and commitment.
I am pleased to welcome you here in the heart of Treaty One land, in the traditional home of the Anishinaabe and the Red River Metis People, in the capital of a province that is home to the Cree, Dakota and Dene people.
Just as we celebrate learning and selfless action with these awards, in Manitoba we work to advance understanding, healing and reconciliation and build a better home for all.
When Manitobans are asked what they love about our province, one of the most frequently mentioned features is our abundance of beautiful lakes and rivers.
Another that comes up just as often is the strong sense of community and caring in Manitoba.
So here we are in Government House at a celebration that brings both of those beloved aspects of our province together.
Those lakes and rivers that are such an importance source of recreation and that provide for our inland fishery are too often scenes of tragedy. Water safety education and water rescue training help to prevent many such tragedies.
Lifeguards and water safety instructors work every day to keep Manitobans safe in and around water. Volunteers with the Royal Lifesaving Society give their time and talent to ensuring that we have the resources and infrastructure necessary to train the next generation of lifesavers.
When lives are on the line, Manitobans from all walks of life and of all ages, with and without rescue training, step up to help others.
At sunny beaches and white-capped lakes, on swift-flowing rivers, at swimming pools and farm dugouts, danger can arise any time. The difference between life and death can come down to one person’s quick thinking and courage, or it can require a team working together to reach a person in need.
As we will hear tonight, every water rescue is different. Every rescue presents its own complications and challenges, but what they all have in common is that powerful feeling in the heart of the rescuers. They all draw from that deep reservoir of compassion and caring that we value as the best feature of our province.
As Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, I congratulate today’s award recipients, and I thank each of you, rescuers, lifeguards, instructors and supporters of the Royal Lifesaving Society, for your commitment to the lives of others.
Thank you, Merci, Meegwich.
