Lotta Berghagen honored with Lifesaving Achievement Award in Norway for heroic rescue of boy

In the summer of 2021, Lotta Berghagen, then just 8 years old, demonstrated remarkable quick thinking that saved a life. On July 25, in recognition of her bravery, she received the Lifesaving Achievement Award from the Norwegian Lifesaving Society on the International Day for the Prevention of Drowning.

The incident took place at the family cabin on Furuholmen, where Lotta and a 6-year-old boy fell into the water from the dock. She recounted how the boy lost his balance and inadvertently pulled her in with him. Both children began to sink, and in the icy water, Lotta managed to break free and swim to shore to retrieve a life buoy. As the current dragged the boy away, she called for help, and her parents, along with a nearby cabin neighbor, were able to pull him back to safety. It wasn’t until later that Lotta realized the gravity of the situation and that she too could have died.

Norway sees an average of around 90 drowning incidents each year, with summer being the peak season for such tragedies. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre remarked that any loss of life due to drowning is unacceptable and emphasized the government’s commitment to preventing drownings through comprehensive awareness and safety measures.

Lotta credited her parents for encouraging her to take swimming lessons from a young age and for preparing her for emergency situations. During a memorial event in Oslo on the same day, she was honored for her decisive actions, although she felt a bit embarrassed by the attention. Nevertheless, she plans to display her award prominently at home, a reminder of her courageous act.