Council’s 45 lifeguards are highly trained, strong and fit. But did you know exactly how much training it takes to become a lifeguard?

It’s September and we’re on the cusp of another busy season, with the temperature tipping the mercury at 32c on training day – one of the warmest spring days on record. After a pool test in the relative calm waters of Des Renford Leisure Centre, it’s straight to Maroubra Beach, where lifeguards have to undertake a gruelling 600m ocean swim, 200m soft sand run and a 600m board paddle.

Being a good swimmer is essential, but being alert, vigilant and a good communicator are also prerequisites of the role.  ‘We rescued 325 people and dealt with 9,550 first aid incidents last season alone,’ says Supervisor Beach Lifeguards, Peter Halcro. ‘You have to be able to think on your feet, and respond very quickly - we also moved 20,000 swimmers to safer swimming areas, so communication is an important part of the job, too.’  

Lifeguards undergo casualty care training, and be able to operate high-powered rescue vehicles under pressure. An all-terrain vehicle, more commonly known as a quad bike, has good manoeuvrability and all-round visibility, and is nimble enough to get a lifeguard to the water’s edge within seconds. Jet skis, meanwhile, are used in the water, and are fast and able to move through very large surf and across big stretches of water quickly – meaning those in danger can be reached in a matter of seconds.

Knowing that lifeguards are highly trained and able to respond at a moment’s notice makes visiting Randwick City beaches a reassuring pastime, especially for families. Red and yellow flags always indicate the safest part of the beach to swim, and danger signs will show where rip currents are lurking.

With a number of tragic fatalities last year taking place after lifeguards went off-duty, the message this summer is ‘no flags, no swim’. Council lifeguards make it their duty to keep you safe, and if they’re not there, they’re not able to do so.

Never swim if you’re unsure of the conditions, but if you do spot somebody in difficulty, call 000 and ask for the Police.