History

The Decoration for Merit in Fighting Floods was established by the Council of Ministers in 1961 and continued to be awarded in the Republic of Poland before it was officially discontinued in 2001. It was awarded by the Prime Minister, the Minister of Agriculture, and the Officer for Environmental Protection and Water Management to Polish citizens for meritorious actions, including life-saving rescues, performed during periods of flooding.

From 1961-1984, the II Class Decoration was awarded on a metal suspension bar, and from 1984-2001, it was awarded on a ribbon. Both versions feature an obverse inscription that translates to "For Merit in Fighting Floods."