Peter Dawes, RNLI General Manager of Lifeguard Operations, who has 50 years’ experience in maritime safety, has been awarded the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) Vladimir Maksimov Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Peter has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to maritime rescue, including the integral role he played in the roll-out of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) Lifeguard Service nearly 25 years ago, his management and development of the Lifeguard Service, his extensive contribution to beach and water safety, and his voluntary lifesaving work.
He said: ‘It is a great honour to be recognised with the Lifetime Achievement Award. It is a testament to all the hard work of all my colleagues over the last five decades, without whom I would not be receiving this award.
‘Our lifeguards are a vital part of the RNLI’s operation, now patrolling over 240 beaches around the UK and the Channel Islands, keeping millions of people safe. It’s the greatest privilege to be managing a team of such dedicated, talented individuals and I’d like to thank them for all they do.’
Like many Australians, Peter started at his local Surf Live Saving Club when he was 13 years old. He accumulated thousands of volunteer patrol hours and was inducted into the Australian Surf Lifesaving Hall of Fame in 2004.
He joined the RNLI in 2002 as a consultant during the set-up of the Lifeguard Service, the first ever national service in the UK and Channel Islands. Since then, he has served as head of prevention and lifeguards, head of lifeguard operations, lifesaving services manager and in February 2022, started his current role as general manager of lifeguard operations.
In the early days, he implemented a suite of resources designed to facilitate greater public awareness and education towards risk, including a national standard for beach safety signs and public rescue equipment, which are still in use today.
Under his leadership, national research has been conducted into lifeguard surveillance techniques, the economic value of lifeguards, risk management for lifeguards, and injuries to rescuers, and he has developed various education programmes delivered to thousands of children every year.
He has never forgotten his voluntary roots, currently in his second term as chair of Bournemouth Lifeguard Corps, guiding them through the building of a ‘lifesaving hub’ for Bournemouth beaches.
RNLI Chief Executive, Peter Sparkes, said: ‘On behalf of everyone at the RNLI, congratulations to Peter for this well-deserved award, recognising his significant contribution to maritime safety and lifeguard development both here in the UK and Australia.
‘The RNLI has been extremely lucky to benefit from Peter’s extensive experience over the past 23 years as we have grown our Lifeguard Service across the UK and Channel Islands.
‘The timing of this award is especially poignant with the RNLI Lifeguard Service due to mark its 25th anniversary in 2026.
‘My thanks to Peter for his passion and commitment to making our coastlines safer places for everyone to enjoy.’
Peter is also up for the IMRF People’s Choice Award 2025, and can be voted for here.
