Bondi Rescue star Andrew Reid puts on a brave face at the beach after he was charged with domestic violence – as an insider lifts the lid on how the celebrity lifeguard is coping

EXCLUSIVE

Celebrity lifeguard Andrew Reid has hit the water after it emerged he was accused of a string of domestic violence.

The Bondi Rescue star, known as ‘Reidy’, put on a brave face as he was spotted paddle boarding with a friend and two children in North Bondi.

He appeared relaxed and even smiled while surfing on Thursday afternoon, but an insider told Daily Mail Australia it had been a traumatic year for the 45-year-old.

Just six months ago he was hailed as a hero after coming to the aid of injured victims stabbed during the deadly Westfield Bondi Junction massacre that claimed six lives.

“It’s been a very difficult time for him, especially after what happened in April,” the source said.

“He is completely devoted to his children and the community and is now focused solely on them.”

Court documents seen by Daily Mail Australia highlight three alleged incidents at the heart of the trial, to which Mr Reid has pleaded not guilty.

One assault charge relates to an alleged incident in November 2022, while the other is alleged to have occurred in January 2024, over a 15-minute period.

Police allege a further charge of causing actual bodily harm occurred on March 24.

A fourth charge of domestic violence was dismissed.

The charges relate to the same woman, who is listed as a protected person under a domestic violence warrant against Mr Reid.

His high-profile defense barrister, Margaret Cunneen SC, said the charges would be “vigorously defended” by Mr Reid.

“There are three very different allegations, a long time apart, the defense of which could be the result of an accident,” she told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Mr Reid, who has been a star of hit TV show Bondi Rescue since it first aired in 2006, has been patrolling the iconic beach for more than 20 years.

He made global headlines for his bravery earlier this year when a mass stabbing attack unfolded before his eyes.

He was shopping for a new bed in Myer when a frantic store worker told him that ‘people are being stabbed’ and ‘the building is being evacuated’.

Mr Reid was locked behind a security door before convincing a security guard to let him slip under the door to help a woman who was bleeding.

“There was a lady… and there was blood everywhere,” he told Nine News.

“I realized I had to help, because that’s what we as lifeguards are trained to do.”

He and two other members of the public administered first aid to the woman, along with police officers.

“I’ve never seen so much blood… we were just looking for wounds and trying to stop the bleeding,” he said.

“When I looked up there were several victims about 50 yards apart. The lady next to us was in very bad shape; there were others who were working on her.’

After Mr. Reid helped stabilize the woman, he continued to walk around the mall to help others.

‘I saw that the police needed help with the other lady, so I started giving her compressions. “I don’t think she made it,” he said.

‘Then I went to help the next victim and saw an empty stroller. I have three young children and but oh my God.’

While Mr. Reid is no stranger to life and death situations, he admits he has never experienced anything so traumatic.

“After twenty years of working on the beach, I’ve seen quite a few ugly things, but nothing like this.”

The knifeman, Joel Cauchi, was eventually shot dead on the spot by a police officer.

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