Two Australian lifeguards – Trent “Maxi” Maxwell, and Jesse Pollock – have participated in the retrieval of a dozen bodies from Bondi Beach’s notorious “Gap” cliff face not far from the main beach. Sadly, each of these deaths were of victims – all under the age of 30 – of suicide. In fact, suicide rates continue to grow in Australia for youths, accounting for the single-largest cause of death. Amazingly, 30-percent of youths aged between 12-to-25 have admitted to contemplating suicide.
Only weeks before filming, Jesse lost one of his own friends to suicide. Wanting to help prevent more unnecessary deaths and “send the message to young people that it’s OK to seek help,” the two embarked on a grueling 2,500km (1,550-mile) open ocean ride on jet skis. Earlier last year, a crowd sourcing effort was launched to raise $100,000 to fund the project. With only a few weeks remaining, the two hit their goal and generated over $105,000.
Looking to help raise awareness of the mental health charity Headspace, the duo created a great web series documenting their journey from Bondi (Sydney) to Cairns over 16 days of riding. According to the show, “Throughout their trip, Maxi and Jesse will visit various Headspace Centres along the coast to meet people that have been affected by suicide. They’ll share their personal stories and try to give people a laugh and a taste of their adventure.”
Those of The Watercraft Journal’s Australian readers might recognize Maxi and Jesse from the popular Bondi Rescue web series focusing on the lifeguards of one of Australia’s most popular beaches. Below we’ve included each of the 14 episodes (which will play in succession) because who really wants to get any work done today anyways?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hs7hiHq3C0g&index=1&list=PL0Xa58krD0jWb5YSfCzWJk86JCwbwxB-j
