Bondi Rescue producer reveals the show’s brutal new season will feature real-life drownings

Bondi Rescue producer Ciaran Flannery revealed on Wednesday that the latest series of his popular reality show will confront real-life drownings.

The TV veteran told The age this year’s season of the series serves as a warning to viewers to be more careful in the water.

Unfortunately, not everyone survives. Showing these stories is as a warning. It’s about being ethical and not just chasing drama,” he said.

“There is extensive consultation with the families, the police, the NSW Ambulance Service. In many cases, it is in the interest of some families to serve the wider interests of the community,” he added.

However, he said viewers can also expect some episodes where the brave team of lifeguards successfully save people.

“Fortunately, we’ve had scenarios where people have been rescued, and in one case a very young baby.”

Meanwhile, series lifeguard Bruce “Hoppo” Hopkins, 54, explained that a huge appeal of the show is because it honestly portrays the challenges lifeguards face on a daily basis.

“You are a first responder and sometimes you lose the person. Over the years we have realized that we are trained physically for the job, but we also have to train mentally.’

The 2023 season returns later this month after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic.

“After two years of closed borders and wet summers, Bondi is back to its best as international and interstate visitors return to join the locals on the world’s most famous beach,” a Channel 10 statement read.

“With all the foreign tourists returning, nice weather and lots of big swells – the lifeguards have their work cut out for them in one of the busiest summers they’ve ever had.”

Bondi Rescue premieres on Friday 14 April at 7.30pm on Channel 10