Life starts now - A Bondi Rescue story

Christmas Day Pt. 3

Midday slowly began to change into afternoon.

"Bondi Central to Yatesy, mate, there's a few girls about...20, 30 feet from you, they could get into trouble if they fall off that sandbank", Melanie informed her colleague, who was stationed at the South End at the moment.

"Copy that, sweetheart", came the cheerful reply, making the corners of her mouth tick up into a soft smile.

Seconds later, Terry reached for his radio as well, keeping the binoculars in front of his eyes as he spoke: "Bondi Central to blue Rhino, could you head to second ramp? Looks like H might need back-up."

The crowds started flocking back into the water, some far too early after lunch. The number of rescues surged and at some point, Terry had to rush down to help Deano, who had half a dozen tourists clinging to his rescue board.

Thus, Melanie ended up staying in the tower on her own. She blew out a steadying breath and muttered to herself: "Righto, no pressure, it'll be fine."

And surprisingly enough, it was. Focus, foresight and instinct were key when it came to watching over thousands of people and Melanie had all three. She had everything well in hand, systematically scanning the beach and the water, her brown eyes roaming back and forth both with and without the aid of the binoculars.

"Alicia, there's someone waving right in front of you."

"Copy that, Yak, I'll keep an eye on them."

"Yeah nah, they're sweet, Reidy. They're coming back to shore, looks like."

"Bondi Central to H, could I have an update please? Do you need me to call an ambulance?"

The shrill ringing of the telephone startled the rookie out of the alert but calm mindset she had fallen into. Grabbing the receiver, she answered: "Bondi Lifeguards, this is Melanie."

Listening, the brunette found herself nodding along and after asking a few short questions for clarification, she thanked the caller and hung up.

Hand moving to key her radio, she peered through the binocs. "Just had a call about an incident at the rock pool", she announced, "sounds like heat stroke. Can somebody head up there please?"

"Sure thing, Mellie", Reidy responded.

She acknowledged, shifting into a more comfortable position in her chair.

***

A soft, hesitant knock made the teen turn around and reach for the radio once more. She told her colleagues: "Guys, just to let you know, I have my eyes off the water", opening the door to let in a boy and girl. They were obviously siblings and only about 7 years old.

"Hi", the girl spoke, fingers tightly linked with her brothers'. "We lost our mummy."

Melanie motioned for them to enter. "Come on in then, so we can see about finding her, hm?"

They nodded in stereo, following her up to the window front where the brunette had them sit down while she brought them a glass of water each.

"Can you tell me your names?", she asked.

"I'm Brendan", the boy piped up.

"And I'm Lyla."

The rookie lifeguard smiled. "Those are very nice names", she told them. "I'm Melanie, but my friends call me Mellie."

The radio sputtered, Reidy coming through with an update about the situation at the rock pool. "Reidy to Central?"