Canadian Red Cross awards its highest honour to Leslie Kunz from Newfoundland and Labrador

In December 2022, Torbay resident Leslie Kunz was among 15 Canadians to receive the Canadian Red Cross’s highest honour – the Order of the Red Cross – for her exceptional contributions volunteering with the organization’s Swimming and Water Safety program in Newfoundland and Labrador, and across Canada.

A first aid and water safety instructor since 1995, Kunz began volunteering for the Red Cross in 1998, loaning life jackets at a Red Cross water safety information booth during an event in her community. After work hours, she gave water safety presentations at businesses and schools. 



A staunch ambassador for drowning prevention, Kunz went on to become a swimming and water safety Master Instructor Trainer, dedicating more than two decades contributing to water safety program development, training, and facility design. She also compiled data on hundreds of unintentional water-related fatalities in Newfoundland and Labrador, mentored scores of volunteers and as a Canadian Red Cross representative, contributed her expertise on the aquatics sub-council for the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council, a team of nationally recognized experts studying the latest evidence-based data to create training programs for medical professionals, first responders and citizens.

Through educational campaigns and training programs built to meet the needs of an evolving landscape, Kunz’s tireless advocacy to reduce drowning rates has benefited Canadians across the country, considering that prevention knowledge and skills are recognized as the most impactful tool to prevent drownings.

A defining moment.
Kunz recalls a time she traveled to Vancouver, BC, to attend the World Conference on Drowning Prevention. The opening keynote about the 1982 Ocean Ranger disaster, a semi-submersible offshore drilling rig that sank on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, hit home.

“There were no survivors among the 84 crew. It set the tone of the conference for me. It just really reminded me why I was there and what our mission was – to eliminate drownings in Canada and keep our communities safer.’

Kunz says she felt humbled receiving the Order of the Red Cross, adding it was a special surprise accepting it among and from her peers. Now a first aid Master Instructor Trainer, she still volunteers when she can, most recently on the Canadian Red Cross’s national Rescuer Award Committee, established to acknowledge the efforts of non-professional rescuers and off-duty first responders who go out of their way to save a life, prevent further injury and/or provide comfort to the injured.

“I love everything about the Red Cross and have fostered the most incredible friendships. I learned much and experienced more than I ever thought possible.”

The Order of the Red Cross recognizes Canadians who have provided outstanding humanitarian service at home and abroad. If you would like to get involved, learn more about how to volunteer with us.