Vale: Terry McDermott

Australasian Leisure Management is saddened to report the death of Waverley Council Lifeguard Terry 'Tezz' McDermott.

A fan-favourite of TV’s Bondi Rescue, Tezz died on 1st September after a two year-long battle with cancer.

An announcement on the official Facebook page for Bondi Rescue Lifeguards stated that "the lifeguard world is mourning the loss of one of nicest watermen to don a jersey."

The valediction went on to remember McDermott as a "selfless man" who "saved countless lives during his career spanning more than 30 years working at many different beaches."

The announcement concluded by thanking Tezz for his "service to the community," adding, "rest easy great man."

A separate post shared to the Bondi Rescue Facebook account announced, "it is with a heavy heart that we announce lifeguard and Bondi Rescue star, Terry McDermott has passed away - our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."

Tezz spent 20 years working as a lifeguard on the Central Coast and 10 years patrolling the famous Bondi Beach, appearing on several seasons of Bondi Rescue as well as the spin-off series, Bondi Rescue: Bali.

In early 2020, Tezz revealed that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He went on to document his cancer battle on social media, his last post coming back in April when he shared a video of himself in the cancer ward of Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney with other patients, joking, "Cancer can't get us, we're too happy."

Among tributes, Trez’s Bondi Rescue co-star Trent Maxwell thanked him for "teaching me the ropes of lifeguarding," adding "I will miss you mate, never a dull moment.

“You were a great waterman and always had some great wisdom to share to the young blokes. We had some great times together you will be missed."

Waverley Council General Manager, Emily Scott remembered him as "a much-loved member of our lifeguard family who played an integral role in helping keep millions of people safe at our beaches during his time with us at Council.

“He will be missed by all who knew him and Council is offering support to his colleagues at this difficult time."

McDermott is survived by his wife Joanna and son Matt.

Image courtesy of the Australian Pool and Ocean Lifeguard Association (APOLA).