Shellharbour Council team wins Illawarra Lifeguard Challenge

Shellharbour City Council are proud of the efforts of their lifeguards after winning the Illawarra’s Annual Lifeguard Challenge at Surf Beach Kiama.

Shellharbour’s dedicated lifeguards were able to have a bit of fun following a busy summer season at the region’s pools and beaches in competition with fellow Wollongong, Kiama and Shoalhaven Councils.

In the third ever Lifeguard Challenge featuring around 160 lifeguards across the four councils, Shellharbour cleaned up in the event which includes a run, swim tag, water paddle and rescue.

Each team of six lifeguards must have at least one female member and one member aged over 27 years.

Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer, a former lifeguard himself, said he was not surprised team Shellharbour had won the event again, commenting “here at Shellharbour City Council, we are incredibly proud of our hardworking lifeguards.

“They do such an amazing job in keeping both locals and tourists alike safe over the busy summer season.

“Well done to all involved in the Annual Lifeguard Challenge.”

The event capped off yet another intense summer season for Shellharbour’s lifeguards. So far during the 2024/25 beach season local lifeguards have already completed 32 rescues.

Shellharbour has six patrolled beaches - Blacks Beach, Shellharbour North and Shellharbour South, as well as Warilla North, Central and South.

Image: Shellharbour took out the Annual Lifeguard Challenge for a third year running. Credit: Shellharbour City Council.