Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: March 25, 1998
• Invested on: September 18, 1998

On November 16, 1996, in Paradise Island, Bahamas, Brian McWilliams, then 17 years old, dived into the ocean to save an American woman who had been dragged out to sea by a strong current and undertow. The vacationing high school student was walking along the beach when he heard the woman's cries and realized she was in trouble. Without hesitating, Mr. McWilliams ran into the ocean and swam some 15 metres in rough water before he could reach her side. He then grabbed the drowning victim but was forced to let her go when a large wave came crashing down on them and the panicked woman pulled him under. Exhausted but undeterred, the teenager caught hold of her again and started swimming towards shore with the victim in tow. As he neared the beach, Mr. McWilliams was assisted by his parents in reviving the semi-conscious victim and treating her for shock.