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Australia has more than 11,000 beaches and at every one there’s a chance you could get into trouble. Surf Patrol is the true story of the men and women there to save your life.

Channel Seven’s observational documentary series, now in its third season, takes viewers to the frontline of the daring and dangerous work carried out by Australia’s volunteer lifesavers. Hosted by former surf lifesaver Tom Williams, this gripping half-hour series follows these brave men and women as they patrol Australia’s most popular and treacherous beaches.

Lifesavers are rightly seen as the heroes of the surf. The red-and-yellow capped guardians of the beach battle harsh conditions and the temperamental surf to ensure the safety of others. Unlike lifeguards who patrol beaches 365 days a year, volunteer lifesavers patrol on weekends and public holidays during the summer months. More importantly they are not paid for their hard work and the endless hours they spend committed to beach safety.

From the creator of Border Security and The Force, Surf Patrol focuses on these individuals who put their own lives on the line to protect others.

“The show is a tribute to the volunteer lifesavers around the country,” says Dan Meenan, Channel Seven’s head of factual programming. “It showcases their incredible heroism and athleticism. Surf Patrol has everything – drama, action, humour, as well as tragedy.”

The show explores the lives and work of these real Aussie heroes as they perform some of the most remarkable rescues ever seen on Australian television. Watch in awe as they help hapless overseas visitors and locals handle the perils and pleasure of the surf. Sadly, their rescue efforts sometimes end in tragedy. Many missing swimmers, often feared drowned, are young children. Amidst dramatic search efforts, they’re forced to comfort frantic parents who are praying for their safe return.

Viewers will observe how volunteer lifesavers risk their own lives for the safety of others time and time again. This third series captures one of the most dramatic rescues we have ever seen when a man appears to have had a heart attack in the surf. After being dragged from the water, lifesavers discover he is not breathing and has no pulse.

Other episodes feature missing children, a fisherman swept off the rocks, heavy fog making vision on the water impossible, a brown snake lurking near the showers, shark scares and a peeping tom.