The winner of the highly anticipated IMRF People's Choice Award 2024 was announced at the IMRF Annual Meeting in Thessaloniki, Greece. This year, the award went to Cleeve Robertson for his outstanding contributions to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).

Cleeve has volunteered with the NSRI for 35 years, including 11 years as CEO until his retirement in August 2024. Under his leadership, the NSRI expanded significantly, growing its infrastructure, increasing its fleet, and developing a strong volunteer network. Notable achievements during his tenure include the introduction of Survival Swimming training, Survival Swimming Centres housed in shipping containers, Beach Safety Cameras, and the Pink Rescue Buoys, which have contributed to saving the lives of 184 individuals from drowning.

The IMRF People's Choice Award is determined by a vote from the global maritime SAR community, with all 10 winners and runners-up from the IMRF Awards eligible for the recognition. This year, only eight votes separated  the winner and the runner-up in a tight race.

The Corps of Volunteer Rescue Boats, Valparaíso, Chile (CVBSV), an all-volunteer SAR organisation founded in 1925, came second place. For nearly a century, the CVBSV has been at the forefront of maritime search and rescue, carrying out numerous life-saving missions with bravery and dedication.

Third place went to Holly Phillips, retired Principal Naval Architect from the RNLI, United Kingdom. Holly retired in December 2023 after 21 years of service with the RNLI, where she played a vital role in the design, construction, and maintenance of nearly every lifeboat in the RNLI fleet. Throughout her career, Holly has been an inspiring figure, paving the way for women in engineering and contributing significantly to maritime safety.

“The IMRF People’s Choice Award celebrates the remarkable achievements of individuals and organisations within the maritime SAR community. Cleeve Robertson exemplifies the very best in maritime SAR, having led the National Sea Rescue Institute with vision and forward thinking. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of SAR professionals, and I congratulate him, and the NSRI team for this well-deserved recognition,” said Caroline Jupe, CEO of the IMRF.

“I also want to express my gratitude to all the nominees for this year’s award. The passion and dedication of SAR personnel across the globe are truly inspiring. The IMRF Awards would not be possible without the continuous support and commitment from the global SAR community. We are honoured to highlight the exceptional contributions of those who save lives at sea, and we remain committed to raising awareness of their   invaluable work,” she added.

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This year's IMRF Awards acknowledged those who have shown excellence in their field, developed innovative technology and equipment or acted as role models to inspire others. The IMRF Awards also shine a light on those colleagues who offer the tireless support, training, and planning that enables SAR crews to do what they do, safe in the knowledge that they are all part of the same team. Click here to find out more about this year's winners or watch our special video, including messages from our Patron and other leading members of the maritime SAR community.