The only thing more exciting than the return of Bondi Rescue on 10 and 10 Play is the return of Bondi icon, Andrew ‘Reidy’ Reid.
After a four-year break, Reidy has been dropped straight back into Bondi’s deep end, as he tends to hundreds of rescues, bluebottle swarms, and the millions of visitors that happen upon Bondi Beach.
We caught up with Reidy to welcome him back and find out what’s he’s been up to during the break. Spoiler alert: it’s everything. He got up to everything.
Reidy! We’re so thrilled to have you back on the sands of Bondi. What made you want to return?
The wind in my hair, the sand between my toes and the thrills that come with the summer of lifeguarding on Bondi! Also working with one of the best teams in the world.
This year marks 20 years of service with Waverley Council’s beaches. What an achievement! Where can you start to give us your highlights over the last 20 years?
There’s been so many highs and lows in the last 20 years, but a standout for me would have to be the rescue and resuscitation of 26-year-old Candice Tanne in my third season. She was face down for four minutes, and somehow myself and five of the team managed to bring her back to life. I still see her walking around Bondi regularly with her three kids nearly 20 years later.
There is such a strong bond and collaboration among the Bondi lifeguards. Is this all from your shared experience on the beach or do you do lots of team bonding off duty?
I think it’s a combination of both we build great friendships, working side-by-side on the beach or on the battleground as some of us call it, but I think those bonds are strengthened after a couple of beers and a boogie at the Curly Lewis brewery on Campbell Parade.
Given your years of experience, do you still feel that stress and adrenaline when performing a rescue or do you find you’re quite calm?
It depends on the situation, but I honestly think ignorance is bliss when it comes to working on the beach, because when you know about the outcome can be, you can sometimes overthink things. Most of the time you can use that experience to remain calm.
When you’re not guarding the beach, you’re running marathons, triathlons, pack rafting, trekking, mountain biking, and looking after your three beautiful kids. Can you chill out for five minutes?
I just get bored doing nothing, so if I am chilling out for five minutes, by the fifth minute I’m usually looking for something else to do! I’ll slow down when I’m old, and my body tells me I need to!
How has Bondi Rescue changed your life?
I think it’s opened up so many other opportunities that have allowed me to have so many amazing experiences as well as allowing me to learn and grow as a human being. I think it’s important to not forget where you’ve come from, and I’ll always be forever grateful for what the beach and lifeguarding has given me.
