Women take part in Bondi Lifeguard Challenge for the first time

Kiah Taylor, who watches over Corrimal Beach, Holly Lane who patrols Fairy Meadow Beach and Montana Murray who looks after Wollongong City Beach are three of the female lifeguards taking part in the Bondi Challenge tomorrow evening for the first time.

TWO women who keep a watchful eye on swimmers at northern suburbs beaches will be amongst eight professional lifeguards from Wollongong taking part in a prestigious challenge at Bondi Beach tomorrow evening (Wednesday).

Competitors statewide from local government areas offering lifeguard services will be taking part in Bondi Lifeguard Challenge, which has been going for 30 years.

The 2019 Challenge will feature talented female lifeguard teams, including Kiah Taylor, who patrols Corrimal Beach, and Holly Lane and Kasey Martin, who both help keep swimmers safe at Fairy Meadow Beach. They, along with Montana Murray from Wollongong City Beach, will go head to head across the relay format.

This year, teams of four ocean lifeguards will compete against teams coming from Newcastle, Central Coast, Northern Beaches, Randwick, Sutherland and the host lifeguards at Bondi.

Wollongong City Council’s Recreation Services Manager Mark Bond said the Bondi races are a way for lifeguards to meet others in similar roles throughout NSW and test their skills and fitness.

“Teams of four – both men and women – will compete in four legs, run, swim, Coolite paddle and board paddle,” he said.

In 2012 Wollongong’s lifeguards were victorious, winning the challenge.

“We’re proud to send a women’s team this year. And we wish all teams great success in the Challenge,” Mr Bond said.

Wollongong lifeguards have been providing lifeguards services since 1912 and are the second largest lifeguard service in NSW. The largest service is offered by the Northern Beaches council in Sydney.

APOLA – the Australian Professional Lifeguard Association – coordinates the challenge. APOLA is a not for profit organisation that promotes best practice in ocean water safety and beach management. The lifeguards will compete in the challenge from 7pm, out of work hours.