‘GOBSMACKED’ is how Toti’s Ken Bentall felt when he was presented with the Royal Lifesaving Society Commonwealth Council service medal, the first of its kind to be bestowed in South Africa, at his retirement party from voluntary lifesaving on Friday, 4 September.
It was handed over by vice-president of Lifesaving South Africa, Allen Pembroke. A delighted Ken described his time in lifesaving of over three decades as a ‘most rewarding time’.
The patron of the Royal Lifesaving Society Commonwealth Council is Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth and the president is HRH Prince Michael of Kent.
The criteria to award a service medal is in recognition of continuous service, contributions or achievement by individuals, not only comprise solely of membership of a society or club, obtaining lifesaving awards or for taking part in competitions.
“My jaw literally dropped when I heard the award was from the Royal Lifesaving Society. It has been difficult to get my head around it, especially it being the first one awarded in SA. I am proud of my achievement.”
Ken said the lifesaving motto is vigilance and service. “There is no greater service a person can do than save the life of another human being.”
