It seems there is more to the nation’s beloved beachside reality TV show than bulging biceps and budgie smugglers.
Lifeguards from Ten’s Bondi Rescue under investigation for allegedly accepting forbidden and lucrative third-party deals.
Leaked emails also reveal a heavy drinking culture at the club, infighting among the show’s stars and anger over the boss’ decision to take his wife on a jet ski to retrieve a dead body, News Limited reports.
Head lifeguard Bruce “Hoppo” Hopkins is in the spotlight, with colleagues questioning his overseas business trips and his actions in taking his wife – who is not a lifeguard – on a morbid retrieval operation.
There are concerns over the “severe alcohol culture” in the organisation and reports one unnamed lifeguard was sent off for a three-week stint in rehab for alcohol issues – apparently paid for by the show’s producers – after an incident at a hotel.
“The show has spawned arrogant, now rich employees who are still employed by the public purse,” one colleague said.
The lifeguards allegedly accepted tens of thousands of dollars from Red Bull, free sports gear, and regular third-party payments on top of their salaries, in breach of an agreement with employer Waverley Council.
Wactch Bondi Rescue regulars Mouse and Matt Dee talk about ‘hot’ lifeguards, vanity and egos in the ranks (post continues after video):
