Wollongong welcomes new lifeguard recruits

Wollongong has welcomed fourteen new recruits to their professional Lifeguard team - bolstering numbers for the summer season.

Every summer, Wollongong conducts a call-out for new recruits to help with the management of beaches and pools during the swim season. Some of the new lifeguards will join permanent staff for the whole season, while others will boost staff numbers as required during busier times.

Each recruit has had to go through a demanding selection process that involves an 800metre pool swim, 600metre ocean swim, two 800metre runs and a 600metre rescue board paddle.

The new recruits will be stationed at beaches across Wollongong’s 17 patrolled beaches from Stanwell Park in the north to Windang in the south.

Wollongong City Council Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery explained that with people unable – or less likely – to travel during the holidays, this year’s swim season is set to be busier than ever.

Lord Mayor Bradbery notes “this summer is going to be a busy one at our beaches and during peak swim season, our lifeguard numbers can swell up to 75 at beaches and up to 80 or more at pools across the holiday season.

“It takes many hands on deck to manage all of our beaches and pools so I’d like to say thank you and welcome to everyone who’s joined our team for the summer and will be wearing one of the distinctive white and blue lifeguard t-shirt.

“These are highly skilled individuals… (who) are always happy to meet you and give safety advice and tips.

“Our lifeguards will be doing their best to keep you safe in the water but it’s also up to you to follow the beach and pool safety rules.

“No matter how confident a swimmer you are, it’s easy to get out of depth and into trouble. If you’re unsure about the beach conditions, talk to a lifeguard. And remember the most important rule of all, if there’s no flag that means no swim. It’s that simple.”

Image: Wollongong City Council Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery with recruits. Courtesy of wollongong.nsw.gov.au/