ALMOST 30 years' experience could not prepare Richard Garnsey for what he faced when he arrived at Cronulla beach on December 12 last year.
Mr Garnsey, 45, was due to start work as a Sutherland Shire Council employed lifeguard but had arrived early when he was told a swimmer was in trouble.
Mr Garnsey battled a 3-4-metre swell and 70km/h winds to save the swimmer who was caught in a rip before he returned to rescue two surfers stranded off Cronulla beach.
His efforts earned him the NSW Surf Life Saving Rescue of the Month award.
Mr Garnsey, who is also a Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club member, said it was the most difficult rescue of his distinguished career.
"It was probably my toughest one," he said. "Considering the day itself, there was 35-knot southerly winds and a four-metre swell. The paddle itself to get to the surfers was probably 12-15 minutes."
Mr Garnsey said that his years of surf lifesaving and lifeguard training were to thank for his successful rescues that day.
"Basically your training just kicks in," he said. "The first rescue was basically just in and out, but [with] the surfers, I had to make sure the two people I had with me were remaining calm.
"More than anything I had to try and make the situation where it was safe for all of us."
Mr Garney, who has clocked up 28 years as a lifesaver and 18 years as a professional lifeguard, said it was important for swimmers to know what to do if they needed help.
"People need to be aware that if they do get in trouble in the water to put their hand up," he said. "Lifeguards and lifesavers are always there for them. They all work well together as a team.
"The training they go through, their hard work and their professionalism is why they are so respected throughout the country and the world."
Have you ever been rescued by a lifeguard?
