Image: North Bondi SLSC

80 years ago on Tuesday, Bondi’s surf lifesavers were involved in an incredible rescue after three horror waves washed 200 swimmers out to sea.

Only five people lost their lives due to the quick action from 60 lifesavers.

Carl Jeppesen was head lifesaver on that fateful day and his son Colin Jeppesen joins Ben Fordham to recall the dramatic rescue.

“Three waves came in. They weren’t extraordinarily large waves but…they all receded as one. It washed away the sandbank and left all those people stranded.

“All those lifesavers knew how to operate the equipment. They just went straight into action.”

Ernest, who was 13 at the time, called in to share his own story.

“The beach was chock-a-block and it was a reasonably heavy surf. The whole thing was completely chaotic but it was heroic.”

Click PLAY below to hear Colin and Ernest recall that day