The Bondi Patrol Podcast: Episode 20: Michael Hallam, Patrol Captain, Nightingale Patrol

What does it take to become a Patrol Captain? It takes time and effort, but anyone can do it if you have the motivation and interest!

What is an unconscious rescue really like? Michael describes how the team rescued an unconscious surfer.

This podcast is supported by City Ford Sydney. Ford have supported the “Blue Water Challenge” for many years - we appreciate their ongoing support of surf lifesaving and the Bondi club. The City Ford Sydney Blue Water Challenge is an annual competition that raises money for our Club, and helps us to provide surf lifesaving services to people at Bondi; – to see what our friends at City Ford Sydney have to offer, visit www.cityford.com.au

Delighted to welcome Michael Hallam to the podcast; Michael is Patrol Captain for Nightingale Patrol.

Michael’s journey to Patrol Captain started with education, Silver Medallion, and helping to train the Bronze groups; Michael then became a Vice Captain.

Michael talks through being a Co-Captain so he could build up his experience, the value of Mentors, and how this helps to be a Patrol Captain.

1. Tell us why you joined Bondi Surf Life Saving Club?

2. You’re a Patrol Captain – what does it involve?

3. What training do you do to become a patrol captain?

4. Who is Nightingale named after?

5. Challenging rescues – the story of an unconscious rescue by Noah, and other examples

6. Your other life/work life: tell us what you do outside of surf life saving

7. Important issues/key messages: importance of teamwork, mentoring to become captain

Thank you for listening to this episode. thank you to our long-term supporters City Ford Sydney; we appreciate your support of the Bondi Blue Water Challenge – this enables our club to raise money for the lifesaving service we provide the community; you can learn all about Ford’s range of cars, vans and SUVs, including electric cars and SUVs at www.cityford.com.au

If you want to get involved, whether for our Nippers program if you have young kids, or you want to become a volunteer surf life saver, You can learn more at www.bondisurfclub.com

Finally, over 300 lives were lost at Australian beaches last year– So please, swim at a patrolled beach and swim between the flags.

“It was the friendly people at Bondi who encouraged me to join and made me feel welcome,” says Amy.


Amy O’Brien arrived in Australia in 2022 from Ireland, where she was a full time surf life guard as well as water safety teacher for primary school children.
In this episode, Amy shares her journey from Ireland to Bondi, why she chose Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club, and the opportunities available for people interested in surf sports.

Amy competed in the European and World Championships with the Irish National Team and has made an easy transition to being a surf sport competitor at Bondi. Amy talks through her weekly training and diet, as well as the work she does as a teacher outside of the club.

SLSA has over 180 thousand members and over 300 Surf Life Saving clubs, this is the largest volunteer movement of its kind in the world. We exist to save lives, create great Australians and build better communities.

Sadly over 300 lives were lost at Australian beaches last year– So please, swim at a patrolled beach and swim between the flags.

“Surf Life Saving gives you Leadership skills for life”

Grant joined Bondi Surf Club as a 13 year old in 1988 obtaining his Surf Rescue Certificate (the same time as Harries!), Grant has been heavily involved in many aspects of the club during his 35 years as a member.

Some of Grant’s achievements include:

● Four time Australian Champion

● the youngest ever Patrol Captain at 18

● winner of the Open Club Champion of the club and Lifesaver of the Year

● playing a lead role in the organisation of the Annual Legends lunch fundraiser that has raised over $250,000 for the club.

● involved in club junior development and is currently the age manager for the Under 8’s Nippers

Grant has been a Bondi Lifeguard and has had a career working professionally in sport including holding roles as Event Manager Swimming Australia, General Manager - Sport with Surf Life Saving Australia and CEO Equestrian Australia. He is currently the co-owner of a successful sports consultancy company Beyond the Break Consulting. Grant was awarded Life Membership on Bondi Surf Club in 2023.

In this episode we discuss how Grant worked his way through various roles at the Club, to become a Life Member. The importance of giving back, the importance of physical and mental health, Grant’s sadness at the passing of Louise Santos, who was made life member at the same time as Grant. Grant describes the importance of junior members to the club’s success.