Just 16 years of age, Coffs Harbour trainee-lifeguard Temika Wright continues her exchange program at Bondi. Deano sees an opportunity to test the youngster’s skills when he sends her out for a boy and girl caught in a rip at North Bondi. Quick to get there on the rescue board, the trainee is unsure of what to do next, and makes a decision that could have tragic consequences.
Lifeguards know they must take Temika into the fold and decide to include her in routine fitness training. But she’s unsure of what to do when invited to compete in the annual Lifeguard Iron Man Race. It’s the pinnacle event for an all-male squad. The temporary rookie isn’t relishing the opportunity to compete, especially when the surf is forecast to reach over 3 metres.
The race starts with a run between Bondi and Tamarama beaches, then a swim around a very dangerous cliff face to Bronte Beach, followed by a board paddle back to Bondi. All is going to plan in the handicap event until the relentless surf at Bronte brings the board paddle to a virtual standstill. Whoever breaks through will likely win, but for now most lifeguards are just struggling to survive. The threat of injury is constant, but becomes a dramatic reality when lifeguard Ben Sutherland crawls ashore barely conscious. Struck in the head by a competitors board he is unable to see in one eye and fears his jaw is broken. An ambulance is called and lifeguards attend to with one of their own for the first time.
It’s the most difficult and intense Iron man race in lifeguard memory
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