Higgins and Langley Memorial Awards
in Swiftwater Rescue

The Higgins and Langley Memorial Awards in Swiftwater Rescue honor outstanding achievement in the technical rescue discipline of swiftwater and flood rescue. They are not heroism awards, but rather recognize preparedness, teamwork, and a job well done, sometimes under extreme conditions, where training is vital to the success of rescue missions, as well as the safety of rescue personnel.

Flooding is the leading cause of weather-related death worldwide. The swiftwater environment, including rivers, streams, canals and dams—low-head dams in particular—can be deadly in general, even beyond the extreme danger posed by floods. Rescuers who lack proper swiftwater/flood rescue training and equipment are at risk of serious injury and loss of life. Every year, would-be rescuers, both citizens and professionals, die in swiftwater incidents. Although improvements in response capability are being made by many public safety agencies, others remain inadequately prepared to perform safe and effective swiftwater and flood rescues.

The Higgins and Langley Memorial Awards have increased awareness about the need for specialized swiftwater and flood rescue training and preparedness. As a result, worldwide training certifications have increased and agencies have been inspired to develop viable water rescue programs, both for the protection of the public and the safety of their personnel.

Nominations may be submitted electronically, which is preferred.

Or you may download the PDF files and mail your completed application, including support documentation, to:

nominations@higginsandlangley.org