Gosford Lifeguards win Annual Bondi Lifeguard Relay

The 30th Annual Bondi Lifeguard Relay Cup Challenge has been won by Gosford City's Lifeguard team.

Held yesterday (Thursday 13th February) at Bondi Beach in overcast and almost flat surf conditions, the Cup Challenge consisted of an eight-leg relay comprising swimming, paddling and running.

Coming from behind, some superb paddling and wave catching saw the Gosford City Lifeguards edge out other professional lifeguard teams from Sutherland, Warringah, Wollongong and Kiama Councils.

The winning Gosford City Lifeguard team comprised a mix of experienced professional ocean lifeguards and some who only have had just a few years experience in the professional ranks.

At the presentation function held at the Bucket List on Bondi Beach, Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguard Association President and Waverley Lifeguard Coordinator, Bruce 'Hoppo' Hopkins congratulated the Gosford team and all attending ocean lifeguards.

Hopkins said that the annual hit-out at Bondi not only was a showcase of the fitness and skill possessed by Council lifeguards, but an opportunity for professional lifeguards from in and around Sydney to have a friendly get-together following the busy summer peak season, a summer peak season that was extremely busy this year because of the continuous sunshine.

Hoppo also commented that it was lifeguards attending in their own after work time each year that demonstrates a great passion for the job and great support from all Council Lifeguard Services, stating "never under-estimate the importance of the job of that is essential beach safety work."

APOLA also reminded all beachgoers to follow their 'Top Six' Beach Swim tips:

1. Bathe and swim between the red and yellow flags which indicate the supervised swimming area: No flags = No Swim

2. Look for, read and obey water safety signs

3. Check water conditions and the water depth before bathing or swimming - never dive head first

4. Bathe and swim under supervision or swim with a mate - never go in alone

5. Never bathe and swim directly after eating or under the influence of drugs including alcohol

6. Learn how to recognise rips and keep clear of these areas - if caught in difficulty stay calm, float with the current and call out HELP and wave an arm if help is nearby.

* And remember, hen out in the sun always SLIP, SLOP, SLAP, SLURP and WRAP (slip on a shirt or rashie, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, drink water, and wear sunglasses).

APOLA is a non-profit professional association that is recognised as the peak professional association for Australian professional beach inspector ocean lifeguards. It promotes best practice in ocean water safety and beach management and coordinates professional ocean lifeguard activity in lifeguard training, community education, tourism support, public relations, regulation and risk management in consultation with councils and their professional lifeguards.

For more information go to www.apola.asn.au/