From a young age Kiva, 23, has loved the water. He gives back to the community, as a volunteer lifesaver, combining his love of the beach and surfing. His father enrolled him in Nippers at the age of nine, and has been volunteering ever since.
Even though Kiva isn’t a full time lifeguard, he does give his time to ensure that those who are swimming at Bondi Beach are well looked after.
What training did you have to go through?
There are many stages of training. I underwent my QC at the age of 14 or 15 to become a ‘junior’ lifesaver and, once I was old enough, I enrolled in a course to complete my bronze medallion which is the basis of the qualifications to become a lifesaver. Since then, I have achieved my silver medallion in IRB (Inflatable Rescue Boat) training, Advanced Resuscitation Certificate and I’m qualified in the use of a defibrillator.
What does your role entail?
Enjoying Bondi Beach on any given patrol while remaining vigilant and alert to any beach-goer or swimmer who needs assistance.
Do you work just during summer or all year round?
Our patrol roster usually starts towards the end of September and continues up until the end of April. During this time, depending on rostering, each person usually must perform at least 12 patrols consisting of a total of around 50 hours, over the whole period.
What are your hours like?
Well, most patrols are only on weekends and public holidays. Hours depends upon daylight saving however a day is split into two shifts each consisting of anywhere from 3 to 6 hours. I don’t have set weeks, as we all rotate. But when I’m on duty I can be on the beach from morning till late afternoon, even if I’m not roastered for the full day – I’ll be there.
What do you like most about being a lifesaver?
I like that I can enjoy myself at the beach while performing a valuable service to the community, along with the social aspects of meeting and befriending other volunteer lifesavers.
What do you like the least?
Having to sit on the beach, or worse, go out in the water on cold, windy, miserable days.
How important is it to have volunteers?
Without volunteers, the beach would not be as safe a place as it is.
How does your job differ to those that are paid?
All lifesavers are volunteers – we are the ones who wear the yellow and red. The council lifeguards are employed and paid – they work full time and are the ones you see in blue. Our goals are very similar – the lifeguards have the added responsibility of placing the red and yellow flags that designate where the safest parts of the beach to swim are.
Can you relax at the beach when you’re not on duty?
Of course. I love relaxing at the beach. Howver, often when the water is rough or there are a lot of people at the beach, I’ll keep an eye out or perhaps sign on to the patrol on duty to help out.
Are rescues dangerous?
The most dangerous rescues are the ones where the victim is still conscious and in a panic. The trick is to stay as far away as possible and pass them a buoyancy aid – if you get too close, they will try to use you as a ladder to get out of the water and things can go bad to worse very quickly.
Do you ever get scared when you have to save someone?
Occasionally, in some of the more serious rescues, I might get a bit nervous that I won’t make it to the person in time to help them but I have not been scared yet. I have heard stories of some hair-raising rescues from fellow lifesavers, who have had to pull people in from around the rocks – especially around the corner, near the Gap.
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