Most lifeguards don't start their Sunday mornings with a lazy paddle from Bondi to Bronte Beach, a run to Coogee then a swim to Maroubra before finally finishing at Cronulla Beach almost 30 kilometers and 4 hours later.
But this is the Bondi to Cronulla Lifeguard Challenge and its set to take off from Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach at 6:30 am on Sunday March 15, putting some of Sydney's fittest and fastest lifeguards against each other, all with the aim of raising funds for kids in need.
This year the annual Bondi to Cronulla Lifeguard challenge will once again draw fierce competition between lifeguards from Waverley, Randwick and Sutherland Shire Councils as they battle it out for supremacy across sand and surf.
In 2019 lifeguards also had to battle the weather as cyclonic conditions made the event a real life challenge with participants dropping some water legs and looking out for each other on the long paddle across the mouth of Botany Bay .
But it's not just bragging rights that each crew will be vying for, with lifeguards from each Council leading fundraising efforts in support of Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation.
Sutherland Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Carmelo Pesce said the event always draws strong support from residents lining the course or at the finish line to cheer on their local lifeguards, with attendees also readily reaching into their pockets in support of a worthy cause.
"The staff at Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick deliver lifesaving specialist care to kids who are seriously ill or injured, including many families from the Sutherland Shire," Mayor Pesce said.
"It's obvious there is a deep appreciation in our community of the vital role played by staff at Sydney Children's Hospital in treating young people in need of urgent medical care, which is why this event continues to draw such incredible support.
"Sutherland Shire's lifeguards are very proud of the work they have done in spearheading this fundraising challenge.
"I know they can't wait to reignite the rivalry with their colleagues from Randwick and Waverley, and I encourage our entire community to join us at the finish line to cheer our local legends on"
In previous years the competition has helped cover the cost of vital lifesaving equipment, including trauma beds for the emergency department and an ambulatory EEG monitor to help with the assessment of children's seizures.
Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation Community Partnerships Manager, Clare Sayer said all funds raised would once again be put towards the purchase of much needed medical equipment.
"We're extremely grateful to our local councils of Randwick, Waverley and Sutherland Shire, and especially the participating lifeguards, for the opportunity to provide a platform to build awareness for fundraising of the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation." Ms Sayer said.
The Lifeguard Challenge continues to be a great family day out supporting your local community and a very worthy cause, with everyone invited to attend a finish line BBQ event from 10:30 am at Cronulla Beach.
On the day, people can watch the lifeguards put themselves to the test as they run the five kilometers from Boat Harbour on the sand to North Cronulla Beach, where lifeguards will be carrying donation tins for onlookers to donate as they run.
To make a donation online, visit the 2020 Lifeguard Challenge donation page;
