Andy Mole has left his role of 15 years to take up the challenge of protecting locals and tourists on Sydney's busiest beaches at Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte.

Mr Mole said getting a starring role on Bondi Rescue was "last on his agenda" when applying for a lifeguard position with Waverley Council, admitting "I'm too old to be on TV".

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"I wanted more of a challenge in my career," Mr Mole said. "I felt I had done my best at Kiama and I wanted to move forward in my career and that means working for Waverley Council as a lifeguard.

"I thought I would throw my hat in the ring for the job and I got it. I have had a good professional relationship with the lifeguards at Waverley for many years. I worked with some of them back in the UK.

"The lifeguard service is like a family and we all look after one another.

"There is real team spirit and I look forward to working with the guys who are also career lifeguards."

Mr Mole said he wanted to work at more popular and busy beaches, although acknowledges Kiama beaches and the blowhole have their dangers.

"The sheer volume of people on Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte beaches is a challenge and will keep me on my toes and make me be more proactive," he said.

"It will be an exciting few months ahead with the council putting in new well-organised measures to keep everyone safe from COVID-19."

Mr Mole said he wouldn't be moving out of the Kiama area to become an eastern suburbs local.

"I can't afford to move to Waverley but I will stay up there a couple nights a week as we have long shifts for a couple of days, then we get days off in a row.

"I couldn't have done it if I was commuting each day."

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The veteran lifeguard fondly remembers his time at his local council and on Kiama beaches.

"I have been involved in some major rescues and some tragedies on the beaches or at the blowhole," Mr Mole said.

"I am leaving a good lifeguard service."

Mr Mole started as head lifeguard in 2005 and worked hard to build up the service including getting new equipment and resources such as jet skis and observation towers as well as implementing procedures and training.

"There is a good culture among Kiama lifeguards," he said. "I will miss them and wish them all the best."

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