About us and Australian lifeguards

Bondi Rescue Lifeguards Pty Ltd was founded by a group of local lifeguards in 2007 to provide a global place for Lifeguard  training initiatives, merchandising and collaborative projects.

We'd like to especially acknowledge the Waverley Council without whom none of this would have been possible.

Their efforts in not only promoting Ocean Safety and the Bondi Lifeguards, but also in supporting our projects is to be commended. Waverley Council is a progressive, forward thinking council that we are proud to work with.

Professional Ocean Lifeguard History

Starting in the 1850s in Australia  Sydney Councils employed staff to manage protected waters and swimming pools in and around lakes, estuaries, lagoons and harbours.

These managers provided water safety as part of their overall regulatory role and by the 1880s coastal Councils employed foreshore managers who increasingly performed water safety duties as part of controlling use of the foreshore areas including beaches.

Until the early 1900s ocean swimming was not alloweed during daylight hours.  Imagine that!  But then the law changed and the increase in surf bathing popularitr meant  there was a greater number of foreshore managers performing life saving functions including first aid and ocean rescues. Remember at that time there were no helicopters or jet skis to help out.

It was at this time that the first beach inspectors were employed and charged with the job of providing safety at the beach.

Some Australian Councils today still incorporate the term 'beach inspector' as part the job title for their professional lifeguards.

Professional Ocean Lifeguard Association History 1903 - 2003

The Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguard Association Incorporated (APOLA Inc) was established as the Australian Beach Inspector Lifeguard Association (ABILA) in March 1984 following the end of the Australian Professional Surf Lifeguards Association (APSLA).

APSLA was born from the Sydney based Institute of Professional Lifeguards & Beach Management (formed 1974) and beforeto this, the first association of Council aquatic professionals was known as the Beach and Pool Officers Association that was founded in 1937.

Life Guards & Life Savers

The Lifeguards are employed by 22 city councils throughout Australia. There are 40 casual and permanent Lifeguards employed by Waverly Council to man the 3  beautiful beaches within the shire;  Bondi, Tamarama & Bronte.

Bondi Beach, Australia’s most famous beach, is located in the suburb of Bondi, in the Municipality of Waverley, seven kilometres from the centre of Sydney.

Waverley Council employs professional lifeguards to protect visitors at Bondi. These professional lifeguards wear blue uniforms and work 365 days a year.

Lifeguard hours of operation.

May to September 8am - 5pm
Late September to start of daylight saving October 6am - 6pm
Late October to end of daylight saving March 6am - 7pm
April 6am - 6pm

When are the beaches patrolled?

Bondi Beach is patrolled 365 days a year

DONT FORGET - Always swim between the flags..  Help us help you.