Today 42 heroes will be awarded a Royal Life Saving Commendation Award for their calm approach and quick thinking actions that ultimately saved the life of another.

Royal Life Saving's annual Commendation Ceremony at Government House awards people who rendered assistance and used their knowledge in water safety, rescue and resuscitation to aid an injured or ill casualty.

"These extraordinary Australians perform these skills, often in stressful situations, sometimes with multiple casualties and frequently at risk to themselves," said David Macallister, CEO Royal Life Saving NSW.

Recipients will travel to Sydney from all over NSW, and from as far as Goondiwindi Queensland and Boorcan Victoria.

Amongst those being awarded are seven year-old Liam and eight year-old Rachel who rescued their little sister Eve, aged 2 from the bottom of the swimming pool.

The Bleasel's backyard swimming pool was, on a traditionally hot Boxing Day in 2008, centre stage and a hive of activity. Liam was swimming in the shallow end when he noticed something on the bottom of the pool. Knowing something was wrong, he attracted the attention of Rachel who acted quickly by swimming down and picking up the lifeless Eve. Rachel then raised her to the surface and carried her towards the steps gaining the attention of their parents who then took over and provided CPR. Eve was rushed to Westmead Hospital where she made a full recovery.

The Patron of the Society, the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC very kindly offered her time to present the Commendation Awards. This Ceremony not only recognises the achievements of general community members but also personnel involved in law enforcement and emergency services including the NSW Police Department, NSW Ambulance Service, NSW Fire Brigade and the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Royal Life Saving would like to congratulate each of the 42 people who received an award for displaying outstanding initiative, expertise and empathy towards their fellow human beings by applying life saving skills in emergency situations.

For more information about the award recipients, http://www.royallifesaving.com.au/www/html/1937-commendation-awards.asp