Bondi lifeguards plead for return of stolen beach buggy

December 2, 2023

Legal / Recreation / Safety / Tourism /

The first day of what is expected to be a busy summer for lifeguards at Bondi Beach has been marked by the reported theft of a buggy used to tend to emergencies.

CCTV footage shows people breaking into the beachside lifeguard tower at 2.30am, taking one buggy out for a joyride on the sand before moving onto the road. Another was left bogged in the sand.

In an Instagram post the team advised “last night our tower was broken into and one of buggies ended up being bogged on the beach and the other is still missing.

"If anyone in the Bondi area has any information, or seen our missing Bike please contact the Bondi police!

"This is an emergency vehicle and we need it back!"

Lifeguard Trent Maxwell called the situation "terrible", commenting “(its) going to be a busy weekend, and first day of summer.”

Called to the scene just before 5am yesterday morning to reports of the alleged break and enter, a NSW Police spokesperson “one of the beach buggies was located on Bondi Beach, the other remains outstanding.

“Police established a crime scene and have launched an investigation into the incident.”

Used by the professional lifeguarding team, the missing buggy is black and blue the word ‘lifeguard’ printed on the front, back and sides.

Waverley Council Mayor Paula Masselos said the stolen buggy was a critical piece of lifesaving equipment, telling 9News “it's a terrible anti-social act, but more than that it had the capacity to compromise the level of service in keeping people safe.”

The professional lifeguarding team at Bondi Beach are known internationally thanks to the TV show Bondi Rescue, which has documented their lives and work since 2006.

Images: As posted to Instagram show a buggy used by professional lifeguards at Bondi Beach bogged in the sand (top) and the damaged door to the garage under the lifeguards’ tower as of yesterday morning (below). Credit: Instagram.

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