Once every 4-6 years, a swell hits the Sydney coastline that is so incredibly huge it becomes a part of local folk-lore. On Wednesday the 20th of January, an intense low pressure system between New Zealand and Tasmania dispatched giant waves to Bondi and surrounding beaches. Lifeguards immediately went into action corralling swimmers into the safest areas of the beach, but the intensity of the waves – which reached up to 15 feet in height – eventually forced them to close the beach for the first time in 12 years. As temperatures reached 33 degrees, swimmers refused to obey lifeguards and swam at their own peril. Many had to be rescued by lifeguards who paddled out on boards. One man, Mohommed, was found lost in the impact zone as huge waves broke on top of him. He profusely thanked lifeguards for saving his life as he was dragged up the beach and put on oxygen. Others were lost under tons of water needing several attempts by lifeguards to get to them into shore. Nearby, lifeguard Azza Graham was taking the opportunity to ride the massive waves on his surfboard. In a first class display he showed that big waves aren’t all doom and gloom for lifeguards. Never before has an episode of Bondi Rescue been able to capture the raw force of the ocean quite like this. And in doing so it has revealed the truly incredible skill and bravery of lifeguards, working in the service of others.

• Osher Günsberg