Bondi lifeguards plead for return of stolen beach buggy

December 2, 2023

The first day of what is expected to be a busy summer for lifeguards at Bondi Beach has been marked by the reported theft of a buggy used to tend to emergencies.

CCTV footage shows people breaking into the beachside lifeguard tower at 2.30am, taking one buggy out for a joyride on the sand before moving onto the road. Another was left bogged in the sand.

In an Instagram post the team advised “last night our tower was broken into and one of buggies ended up being bogged on the beach and the other is still missing.

"If anyone in the Bondi area has any information, or seen our missing Bike please contact the Bondi police!

"This is an emergency vehicle and we need it back!"

Lifeguard Trent Maxwell called the situation "terrible", commenting “(its) going to be a busy weekend, and first day of summer.”

Called to the scene just before 5am yesterday morning to reports of the alleged break and enter, a NSW Police spokesperson “one of the beach buggies was located on Bondi Beach, the other remains outstanding.

“Police established a crime scene and have launched an investigation into the incident.”

Used by the professional lifeguarding team, the missing buggy is black and blue the word ‘lifeguard’ printed on the front, back and sides.

Waverley Council Mayor Paula Masselos said the stolen buggy was a critical piece of lifesaving equipment, telling 9News “it's a terrible anti-social act, but more than that it had the capacity to compromise the level of service in keeping people safe.”

The professional lifeguarding team at Bondi Beach are known internationally thanks to the TV show Bondi Rescue, which has documented their lives and work since 2006.

Images: As posted to Instagram show a buggy used by professional lifeguards at Bondi Beach bogged in the sand (top) and the damaged door to the garage under the lifeguards’ tower as of yesterday morning (below). Credit: Instagram.

30th November 2023 - Randwick Council introduces professional lifeguarding services at two new Sydney beaches this summer

27th October 2023 - Australian Lifeguard Service to run beach patrol service for Eurobodalla Council

19th September 2023 - City of Newcastle lifeguards prepare students for a safe summer

5th September 2023 - Royal Life Saving highlights swim teacher and lifeguard shortages present opportunities for job seekers this summer

25th August 2023 - Waverley Council hosts Australian Prime Minister at Bondi Pavilion restoration commemoration

15th June 2023 - Lifeguard services and sport venue accessibility among initiatives prioritised in Gold Coast budget

17th March 2023 - Shellharbour City Council lifeguards recognised by APOLA

13th May 2022 - Bondi Beach lifeguard facility upgrades due for completion in September

24th May 2021 - Safety facilities to be enhanced at Bondi Beach

7th May 2021 - Review gives ‘top marks’ to Gold Coast’s professional lifeguard services

5th February 2020 - Waverley Council improves access to Bondi Beach

15th December 2017 - Leading professional lifeguard says swim between flags message is ‘desirable but unrealistic’

6th January 2017 - Bondi Rescue educates the world about beach safety

13th January 2016 - Counting the cost of beach theft

27th December 2015 - Professional Lifeguards highlight need for safety first at the beach

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.