Sutherland Shire Council’s lifeguards will go a long way to support Movember.
And they proved it last Saturday by participating in a gruelling 32km relay of board paddling, swimming, running and sand running from Bondi to Cronulla.
It was the second Movember Lifeguard Relay and was aimed at raising $2000 in support of men’s health research and support.
The relay kicked off at 6.30am from Bondi and finished in Cronulla by 10.30am.
Only Sutherland Shire Council lifeguards ended up taking part as the other members from Bondi and Waverley pulled out.
The conditions coming out of Bondi were very challenging with 6ft waves facing the paddle boarders.
The lifeguards wound their way down the coast from Bondi, through Tamarama, Bronte, Coogee, Maroubra, Frenchmans Beach and across Botany Bay into Kurnell, Boat Harbour and North Cronulla, before finishing with a swim to Cronulla.
They paddled from Bondi to Tamarama, swam from Tamarama to Bronte, ran from Bronte to Coogee, paddled from Coogee to Maroubra, ran from Maroubra to Frenchmans Beach, paddled from Frenchmans Beach to Kurnell, ran from Kurnell to North Cronulla and swam from North Cronulla to Cronulla.
The relay was a true test of endurance and open water skills and the team also collected more than $1000 in donations from the community along the way.
They were tracked by a support vehicle and lifeguard boat along the way.
Conditions in Bate Bay were much better than at the start of the race, and the team was met at the finish by Sutherland Shire mayor Carmelo Pesce.
Cr Pesce congratulated them on their outstanding effort.
“Many of the Shire’s lifeguards are sporting some impressive moustaches, and did some tough training sessions to prepare for the relay,” he said.
“The Movember Foundation is committed to men living happier, healthier, longer lives. Since 2003, millions have been raised for programs focusing on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical inactivity.
“The Movember Foundation is the only global charity focused solely on men's health. I’m really proud of all of the lifeguards for challenging themselves to support some of the biggest issues faced by men.
“The challenge now is for the community to show their support for their amazing effort,” he said.
The lifeguards will be collecting donations up until end of November or donations can be made online - http://moteam.co/bondi-to-cronulla-lifeguard-challenge
