5 September 2025
Retired police officer awarded for saving neighbour from backyard pool drowning
Australind local and retired police sergeant Michael Bickford has been awarded a Royal Life Saving WA Bravery Award for his extraordinary actions during an emergency in June 2024.
Michael was alerted to distress calls coming from his neighbour’s backyard, where a woman had been found face-down and unresponsive in a swimming pool. Her friend, unable to lift her from the water, was desperately calling for help.
Without hesitation, Michael jumped over his rear fence, entered the pool, and pulled the woman out. He immediately began CPR while calmly directing her friend to call 000 and meet emergency services at the front of the property to guide them quickly to the scene.
He continued CPR for 15 full rounds until police and paramedics arrived. Despite his exhaustion, he provided emergency responders with a detailed handover to ensure they could continue the best possible care.
Having retired from the WA Police in 2023 after 21 years of service, Michael said his instincts and training took over in the moment.
“The cries for help were clearly of someone in great distress who needed immediate assistance so I went where I thought I was needed, via the most direct route possible.”
Michael’s quick thinking, CPR knowledge, and ability to coordinate the scene ensured the woman received lifesaving care during her greatest moment of need.
For his bravery, Michael was recognised with the prestigious Gold Medallion Bravery Award.
“I am incredibly humbled and it was completely unexpected. The incident reminded me of the impact of mental health, the importance of loved ones in our lives, and the Emergency Service heroes who attend to these incidents every day because they simply want to help people,” he said after receiving the award.
Do you know someone who deserves a Bravery Award?
Nominations for the Bravery Awards could be made by anyone who has information about an incident, at any time of the year. Learn more at the link below.
