Boost to safety at Bondi Beach as lifeguard facility upgrade begins

13 May 2022

Australia’s famous Bondi Beach is set for new lifeguard facilities as part of a Waverley Council project to improve beachgoer safety and responses to major incidents.

The Council is renovating the Bondi Beach lifeguard tower and building a new purpose-built first aid and incident management facility under the promenade at the North Groyne, with works starting this week.

Matt du Plessis, Manager, Lifeguard Services and Beach Safety, said the new first aid building will provide a dedicated space for greater patient privacy and enhanced facilities to assist Lifeguards and emergency services during major incidents.

“Our Lifeguard team is one of the busiest in Australia, responding to an average of 200 rescues at Bondi each month and just over three rescues per day across our three beaches,” Mr du Plessis said.

“Lifeguards can be tasked by Triple Zero (000), requested by the public or in most cases identify the incident themselves. Council Lifeguards help save many lives and prevent further complications by attending to casualties often within seconds of the incident happening.”

Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos said moving the first aid area from the rear of the tower to this new facility means Lifeguards can focus on having all eyes on the water and sand.

“Our Lifeguards respond to all manner of incidents from jellyfish stings and cuts and grazes to swimmers dragged unconscious from the water or suffering seizures,” Mayor Masselos said.

“Having a dedicated space to care for patients is best practice internationally and something our team is excited to adopt.”

Mr du Plessis encouraged visitors to always swim between the red and yellow flags and follow instructions from our Lifeguards and beach ambassadors.

The tower renovations, and new first aid building, are due for completion in September, weather permitting.

Lifeguards are now operating out of the two temporary demountables next to the main steps leading to the middle of the beach.

From Monday the 30 June, lifeguards move to winter patrol hours of 7am - 5pm. Please always swim between the red and yellow flags.

If you witness an in-water emergency, please inform our Council Lifeguards, or if it is after hours, dial Triple Zero (000) and ask for the Police.

-ENDS-