Heroic instance Bondi Rescue star saves a young girl who was mere seconds away from drowning; video resurfaces after his passing from cancer.
Terry McDermott of Bondi Rescue passed away following a battle with prostate cancer.
A heartbreaking video of him saving the life of a young child on Bondi has resurfaced.
When he arrived, the girl was mere seconds from drowning. He is renowned as an outstanding lifeguard whose work spanned 30 years.
The incredible moment in which a Bondi Rescue star saved a young child who was mere seconds from drowning has emerged as the lifeguard’s loved ones paid tribute to him.
Throughout his tenure as a lifeguard, Terry McDermott rescued countless swimmers at several beaches. He passed away on September 1 after a fight with cancer.
One rescue, however, struck a chord with both Mr. McDermott and fans of the popular Australian television show: the rescue of a small child from Bondi Beach in Sydney.
Mr. McDermott observed from the shore that the girl struggled to maintain her buoyancy and frequently submerged.
Terry McDermott was overtaken with emotion as he described saving the life of a young girl who was swimming at Bondi Beach.
Unbeknownst to neighboring swimmers, the lifeguard instantly plunged into the water with his rescue board to assist the girl.
Mr. McDermott stated at the time, “You must disrobe, grab the board, enter the water, and dash to the patient, hoping that incoming waves will not slow you down.”
As she gasped for oxygen, he was able to reach the girl just in time and pull her onto his board.
She exclaimed “Thank you!” between breaths.
Mr. McDermott observed from the shore that the girl was fighting to remain afloat and submerging repeatedly.
McDermott was able to safely return the girl to shore.
Mr. McDermott informed the young girl’s mother that she nearly drowned upon their safe return to the shore.
“By the time I made touch with her, she had reached a critical turning point,” he explained.
It was a particularly painful rescue for the veteran lifeguard, who had lost his own baby just one week after his birth.
“Especially with (rescues of) small children like that, I know that sensation since I lost my son,” he said.
My son was entrapped in the birth canal and had problems that deprived him of oxygen for 10 minutes, but he died a week later.
When I rescue a little child, this always rises to the surface. If she (the mother) had lost that adorable child, she would understand what I mean.
Mr. McDermott (shown with wife Joanna) lost his fight with cancer on September 1st.
Mr. McDermott’s coworkers praised his 30-year career as a lifeguard, during which he saved “many” lives, by describing him as “one of the nicest watermen to ever don a jersey.”
Mr. McDermott is survived by his wife, Joanna, and his son, Matt.
Mr. McDermott served as a lifeguard for 20 years on the NSW Central Coast and 10 years on Bondi Beach.
After a fight with cancer, he passed away surrounded by loved ones.
Mr. McDermott received tributes from fans of the show all throughout the world.
This is absolutely tragic. I will pray for you, your family, and your fellow lifeguards. You were a phenomenal lifeguard. I like viewing Bondi on YouTube on the East Coast of the United States. “This breaks my heart,” posted one international fan.
Mr. McDermott’s coworkers praised his 30-year tenure as a lifeguard, during which he saved “many” lives, by calling him “one of the nicest watermen ever to adorn a jersey.”
“Such tragic news. I adored seeing him on Bondi Rescue from Ireland, said another viewer.
“Adieu Terry. Thanks for being yourself. We appreciate your service. What a magnificent man you were. Rest in Peace.
Trent Maxwell also paid Mr. McDermott a heartfelt tribute, praising him for “teaching me the ropes of lifeguarding.”
“I will miss you, buddy, there was never a dull moment.” You were a fantastic waterman and always had tremendous advice to impart to the younger men. We had some wonderful days together, and you will be missed,’ stated Mr. Maxwell.
As a memorial, Sunshine Coast Lifeguards wrote, “Terry was a charismatic, articulate individual who always had an amazing story to share.”
He was well-known all across the world and was a friend and colleague to other lifeguards throughout the country.
Since being diagnosed on Anzac Day in 2020, Mr. McDermott has chronicled his battle with prostate cancer on social media.
Terry McDermott, a lifeguard for Bondi Rescue who died of cancer, is pictured with his wife Joanna.