What’s the funniest thing that you’ve seen on the beach?I’ve seen some amazing nudie runs for the locals and lifeguards. Where did you work before Bondi, and what made you choose Bondi? I used to - and still do - work at Swell Restaurant. I chose Waverley Council because I know and love all three beaches. Would you recomend you cild becomes a lifeguard when they are old enough? Hmmm tough question… I have a daughter, I’m sure she will find another occupation but I wouldn’t be disappointed if she wanted to become a lifeguard.Ĭhapo’s most intense rescue was reviving a young man who had been struck by lightning. In my spare time I like to: My little girl is my world so try to spend every spare minute with her, but I find time for a surf and game of touch and golf on the odd occassion.Īre the massive crowds merely a challenge or is there something exciting about working on such a busy beach? Always a challenge working here. If I weren’t a lifeguard I’d be: I am a paramedic as well. Have you ever had to be rescued? Not yet, hopefully I will have retired before I need to be rescued! What do you think are the most important characteristics of a lifeguard? Being able to concentrate and have an understanding of the ocean. What’s your most memorable rescue? I rescued a little boy at Bondi who was completely unconscious who wasn’t responding, but in the end he did. What drew you to lifeguarding? Kerrbox talked me into it over a stubbie! What do you do during the non-summer period? During the non-summer period I still patrol, but try to use the time to holiday in warm places like Bali or Miami. What’s it like when there is an emergency? Everyone has their own set of responsibilities and knows what to do when they’re needed. What’s the hardest part of your job? Dealing with deaths. It only takes a second for something to happen. What do you think are the most important characteristics of a lifeguard? We need to be extremely observant.
What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learnt while being a lifeguard? Not everyone has grown up at the beach and knows how to swim, so we need to be understanding. What advice do you have for anyone wanting to become a lifeguard? Follow “Harries” training regime and you’re definately in with a chance. What’s the most intense rescue you’ve been a part of? A young girl named Candice wasn’t breathing when we got to her, but we managed to revive her, thanks to a great team effort! What drew you to lifeguarding? The job looked fun and extremely rewarding. Nicknames: Reidy, Spreads, Wilson, Fat Guts Does this keep your adrenaline rushing all the time? For sure, things always seem to happen when you least expect it. If you had one piece of advice for someone wanting to swim at bondi, what would it be? Always swim between the flags and don’t take risks.Ī situation can turn from fun-and-games to life-and-death in a heartbeat. What do you think are the most important characteristics of a lifeguard? Having good concentration skills, being able to make decisions on your feet and of course, having a really good knowledge of the ocean. The one that really stands out the most was in Bali when Reidy and I worked on a patient in the back of a Beamo all the way to the hospital, it was crazy. What’s the most intense rescue you’ve been a part of? Any rescue that involves bringing someone back to life. What’s the funniest thing that you’ve seen on the beach?Yatesy crashing the jet ski into the ATV on the sand while beaching it and snapping the rescue board that was on the ATV in half. One thing you wouldn’t know about me… I snore really loud! What drew you to lifeguarding? My love of the ocean. “Never take your eyes off the water, as the minute you do, you will get caught with your pants down!”