Waverley Council > Beaches and the Coast > Lifeguards
Lifeguards
Waverley Council employs professional lifeguards to protect visitors to Bondi Beach . These professional lifeguards wear blue uniforms and work 365 days a year.
Waverley Council also employs lifeguards at Bronte and Tamarama beaches but these two beaches are not patrolled in the winter time.
The term lifeguard has been used since about 1994, prior to that the staff who patrolled the beach were known as beach inspectors. The first beach inspector, Dennis 'Dinny' Brown was appointed in 1913 to look after the swimmers at Bondi Beach.
What Qualifications do Lifeguards have?
Anyone wishing to be a lifeguard should be proficient in surf lifesaving
or professional lifeguarding with experience and knowledge of open ocean
surf beaches in a wide range of conditions. In addition to having
completed the "Defibrillator" and "Necksafe" courses it is necessary for
applicants to hold:
- Current Class 1A Driver's Licence
- First Aid Certificate
- Advanced Resuscitation Certificate
- P.W.C Waterways Licence
Applicants are also required to undergo a physical test comprising an 800 metre pool swim in under 13 minutes and 30 seconds, complete "M" Shape course comprising an 600m ocean swim, 600m sand run, 600m rescue board and 600m sand run in and simulated board and tube rescues while negotiating a surf break.
What do Lifeguards do?
They put out the flags and rescue equipment, patrol designated public surf
bathing and surfcraft areas as well as closely monitor dangerous
swimming areas. When necessary they perform rescues and resuscitations.
(When there are strong rips and a big crowd they may perform over 100
rescues a day).
In addition to the front line work they provide information on surf and beach conditions to the public and give beach and water safety talks to schools and community groups.
Seasonal Lifeguards are employed for the full swimming season on a 38-hour week on a 7 day rotating roster. Casual lifeguards are engaged as required. The casuals have to meet the same requirements as the seasonal lifeguards.
When are the beaches patrolled?
Bondi Beach is patrolled 365 days a year. Bronte and Tamarama beaches are
not patrolled in the winter time.
Lifeguard hours of operation at Bondi Beach
May to September 8am – 5pm
24 September – 27 October 6am – 6pm
28 October – March 6am – 7pm
April 6am – 6pm
The Lifeguards’ first aid rooms are located in the Pavilion.
Lifeguard hours of operation at Tamarama Beach
Mid-May to September (no lifeguards on duty)
Late September – Late October 9am – 6pm
Late October – March 9am – 7pm
April (after daylight saving) 9am – 6pm
Lifeguard hours of operation at Bronte Beach
Mid May to September (no lifeguards on duty)
Late September – Late October 6am – 6pm
Late October 2000 – March 6am – 7pm
April 6am – 6pm
Lifesavers
The volunteer lifesavers wear red and yellow uniforms and assist the
lifeguards on the beach at weekends and on public holidays during the
summer period. There are four surf life saving clubs at Council’s three
beaches: Bronte Surf Life Saving Club, Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club,
and two at Bondi Beach - the Bondi Surf Bathers' Life Saving Club and
the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club. These clubs were founded in the
early 1900's.
Further information contact:
Lifeguard Co-ordinator 8362 3407
or Bondi Lifeguards 8362 3450
(This page maintained by Manager - Beach Services (8362 3406). Last updated 15-Aug-2008)
