Louise Santos: Bondi lifesaver and super-fit Australian mum dies suddenly while on holiday in France
A devoted mother and surf lifesaver is being mourned by her community after she died suddenly while on holiday abroad.
Louise Santos, 54, was with her husband Stuart and son Josh in France on Monday when disaster struck 10 days after her birthday.
Ms Santos was a legendary athlete and active member of the Bondi Surf Club, where she worked and volunteered for over twenty years.
The club’s president was one of hundreds of people to pay tribute since her death.
The cause of her death has not yet been announced.
Louise Santos, 54, (right) was on holiday with her husband Stuart (left) and son Josh (centre) when she died suddenly on Monday, 10 days after her birthday
Ms Santos is remembered by her community as an active member of the Bondi Surf Club, where she worked and volunteered for over 20 years
“The entire club is deeply shocked and struggling to come to terms with the void left by Louise’s passing,” Brent Jackson said.
“Her influence reverberated across countless aspects of our club, and her absence will be deeply felt by all of us.
“Louise’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication and the profound impact she had on our club’s journey.”
The surf club lowered its flag to half-mast on Wednesday to pay respect to Ms Santos, who had just become an honorary life member.
Mr. Jackson and she had just finished planning the next season of the club’s surf sports team.
“Her commitment knew no bounds, and she continued to zealously defend our cause,” he said.
The mother-of-one (pictured) had previously competed in Ironwoman challenges and more than 40 Australian Masters and World Masters Surf Life Saving events
Bondi Surf club president Brent Jackson paid tribute to Ms Santos, describing her as unwaveringly dedicated and impactful (pictured, Bondi Surf Club)
On Wednesday morning, surfers took a minute’s silence to remember their former captain.
Later that day, a candlelight service was held at the club.
Friends and family have also remembered and written about her on social media as a ‘humble, enthusiastic, cheerful’ person.
‘Her welcoming smile was warm and genuine. She was everything you could ask for as a lifesaver and Bondi member,” one person wrote.
Ms Santos was also a gifted athlete, earning more than 40 medals in the Australian Masters and World Masters Surf Life Saving events.
In 2005 she became Bondi’s first female individual Australian gold medalist in the Ironwoman 35 to 39 age category.
She also came second in her age category at the 2018 Coolangatta Gold Long Course endurance event.