What does the LSBA do?
The LSBA rewards individuals who participate in water rescues in the Tri-State Area (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut), by granting monetary compensation, pins, and medals to recognize heroism at sea. The LSBA’s original charter states that the Association’s primary purpose is to “recognize and reward courage, skill and seamanship in the rescue of human life on the sea or any navigable waters … to encourage training in seamanship, lifeboat work, methods of rescue in the water, and the resuscitation of victims of submersion.”
What awards are given by the LSBA?
There are two types of LSBA Awards: Life Saving Awards, and Special Awards. Individuals who save lives on the water may be eligible for a Life Saving Award, if they meet certain criteria. This includes:
- that the individual must have entered the water to make their rescue;
- that the person rescued must have survived the event;
- that awards will be given to water rescue professionals only for acts performed outside the scope of their professional duties (i.e. while off-duty)
How can I apply for an award?
Applications for awards are made through submitting two forms: the first is an application form completed by the rescuer in the situation, and the second is a form filled out by a witness to the rescue. The main application form must be notarized.
Click here to download rescuer/award application form.
Click here to download witness report form.
Am I eligible for a Life Saving Award?
LSBA Life Saving Awards are given to individuals who successfully complete a water rescue: that is, that the individual in question enters the water to save another person or persons, and that those they are rescuing survive. Our scope is limited to the Tri-State Area (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut). If you are unsure if you or someone you know is eligible, please get in touch using the contact form on this website.
Can I nominate someone for a Life Saving Award?
We welcome suggestions of potential awardees, so if you know of someone who has recently saved a life on the water, please let us know with as much information as you can provide. We will then contact the individual in question so they can complete an application form for the award.