An Onaping woman has been recognized for her 'bravery' in rescuing two classmates from drowning during a high school trip to Costa Rica in 2008.
Tamsen Laine Lahnalampi was presented with the Decoration for Bravery by Gov.-Gen. David Johnston.
While on March break, a group of students had been warned not to go any further than knee-deep in the water, as the waves were extremely high that day, according to a press release. Despite the warning, two of the teenagers wandered out too far and were caught in the incredibly strong rip tide.
Someone alerted Lahnalampi, who immediately headed into the deep, dangerous water.
Despite her strength as an able swimmer, Lahnalampi experienced great difficulty in keeping herself afloat, and found herself being pulled further and further away from shore. She persevered through the rough waters and, upon reaching her schoolmates, calmly encouraged them to follow her.
Taking one of the victims by the wrist, she led them all safely back to shore.
The Decorations for Bravery were created in 1972, to recognize people who risk their lives to try to save or protect the lives of others.
“It was a great honour to be in the same room with Tamsen, her family and the other heroes honoured today,” said Nickel Belt MP Claude Gravelle.
The governor general also presented two Stars of Courage and 43 other medals of bravery at the ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
Posted by Heather Green-Oliver
