President awards life-saving medal to Ville Aflecht for heroic rescue in Varkaus

The President of the Republic has awarded a life-saving medal to Ville Aflecht, who rescued a young boy from drowning during the summer of 2023. The life-saving medal recognizes acts of exceptional bravery, ingenuity, or self-sacrifice that result in the preservation of another person’s life from imminent danger.

The incident occurred during a swimming trip in July when a small boy sank to a depth of four meters at the Hertunranta beach in Varkaus. Aflecht dove from the pier into the water and successfully located the boy at the bottom, unresponsive.

Aflecht’s swift actions have already been praised in various contexts. Last year, the city of Varkaus acknowledged the efforts of those who participated in the child’s rescue. The Director General of the Regional State Administrative Agency for Eastern Finland will present the medal next Tuesday.

In Finland, approximately ten to fifteen life-saving medals are awarded annually.