Bondi Rescue is never like this

Mark Mathews wipes out at Cape Solander. Source: Bill Morris / Supplied

THE difference between life and death in the surf may rest in the reaction times of 'Bondi Rescue' man Aaron Graham and his water safety crew.

For several months a small team of six lifeguards and three towing experts have been preparing themselves for the challenge of conquering Mother Nature.

A wall of water at Cape Solander with the surf rescue team in the foreground. Source: News Corp Australia

Graham, known for his role in the hit TV program, and a professional lifeguard for 16 years, knows the huge risks involved in staging such a dangerous event.

His brother Kobi broke his back and came within millimetres of death, when in 2010 his head uncontrollably cannoned into a rock shelf after he wiped out at Cape Solander — the same venue for this year's Big Wave contest.

As head of the Pro Guarding water safety team, Graham has left no stone unturned to ensure that tragedy is avoided and the highest levels of safety are maintained for this surfing extravaganza.

While the adrenalin- fuelled surfers will tackle the dangerous challenge themselves, the rescue team have been going through their own paces trying to predict, mimic and act on worst case scenarios.

Aaron Graham on a training run at Bondi Beach. Source: Supplied

After two extensive training days with life size mannequins and possible emergency and rescue scenarios acted out, Graham is confident in the ability of his crew to avert disaster.

The team have run down cliff faces, swam in treacherous conditions and been involved in jetski 'trial rescues'.

Graham says that the hand-picked crew from Waverley and Maroubra Councils are ready and raring to go.

Kobi Graham is treated after he wiped out at Cape Solander. Source: Supplied

"The crew have put in an extremely lot of hard work," Graham said. "We've got to be ready to react to emergency situations.

"I'm kind of expecting something major could happen this year, but we've done plenty of training and will reconvene before the competition begins to discuss final plans of attack.

"We have all been involved with resuscitation experiences before, and even body retrievals, so we are not fazed at the risks involved.

"We just can't fail as the whole international surf industry will be watching us."

Younger brother Kobi, with 14 years of lifeguard experience behind him, will be a vital member of the safety team.

Still from a video of Kobi Graham surfing at Cape Solander. Source: News Limited

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