Royal nod: Tasmanian lifesaving advocate Pene Snashall gets a rare honour

A tireless lifesaving advocate has received a right Royal honour - the first given to a woman in 130 years.

Tasmanian Pene Snashall has become the first woman in 130 years outside the Royal family to become an officer of the prestigious Commonwealth Royal Lifesaving Council. Picture: supplied

Tasmanian Pene Snashall has become the first woman in 130 years outside the Royal family to become an officer of the prestigious Commonwealth Royal Lifesaving Council.

Ms Snashall, who has worked tirelessly to try to reduce deaths from drowning for more than a decade, received the rare honour at a recent meeting she attended in Ontario, Canada.

She is pleased that her appointment coincides with the World Health Organisation recognising the prevalence of drowning deaths as a worldwide health problem.

“This recognition will highlight drowning prevention across more countries and more governments and hopefully bring some funding to prevention activities

in poorer countries,” Ms Snashall said.

“This has been a massive outcome - and heavily lobbied by Australia - in fact our Australian CEO of Royal Lifesaving led the work.

“The fact that I’ve been chosen to fulfill this role is a recognition

of the importance Australia, and indeed Tasmania, places on drowning

prevention.

“It might not mean a lot here in Australia but in some countries where people rely on water - rivers, lakes - for their livelihood in aquaculture or agriculture, saving just one life makes a massive difference to the livelihood of generations.

“The council will play a big part in spreading the message of the WHO resolution

across low and middle income countries.”

Ms Snashall is the only female on the 12 member council and one of only three people recognised under the Royal Charter with the authority to make financial, management and strategic decisions on behalf of the Commonwealth Royal Lifesaving Society.

The last woman to serve as council officer was now 86-year-old Princess Alexandra in the1970s.

She said many Australians involved in the Royal Lifesaving Association volunteered in Asian countries “where drowning is one of the highest causes

of death across all ages”.

“We also play a role in advocating and lobbying authorities all over the world to recognise the need for drowning prevention programs.”

She joined the board of Royal Lifesaving Tasmania 12 years ago, became state president after two years and a year later was elected national president.

“I’m no different than anyone else that volunteers. I’ve always thought it was the

right thing to do; as a human to help other humans.

“Hopefully my appointment will encourage other women within the Royal Lifesaving Society network (to consider the role they can play outside Australia.”

Originally published as Royal nod: Tasmanian lifesaving advocate Pene Snashall gets a rare honour