Medal of Bravery
Awarded on: 2017-06-15
Invested on: 2017-12-07
Paul van Doesburg, M.B.
Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec
On February 5, 2016, Paul van Doesburg rescued an elderly man who was in danger of drowning off the coast of Lo de Marcos, in Nayarit, Mexico. Mr. van Doesburg swam out to reach the distressed swimmer approximately 130 metres from shore. He managed to hold onto the man as he fought against the strong current, but quickly became exhausted as he tried to keep the victim’s head above water. He was met by another rescuer on a kayak who helped bring them both back to safety.