The
Gold Lifesaving Medal and
Silver Lifesaving Medal are
U.S. decorations issued by the
United States Coast Guard. The awards were first established by Act of Congress, 20 June 1874; later authorized by . These decorations are two of the oldest medals in the United States and were originally established at the Department of Treasury as Lifesaving Medals First and Second Class. The
Department of the Treasury initially gave the award, but today the United States Coast Guard awards it through the
Department of Homeland Security. They are not classified as military decorations, and may be awarded to any person.