TEAHUPO’O, Tahiti — Helmets cracked, skin sutured, and concussions checked—these have become routine in the Paris Olympics surfing competition, as athletes navigate the treacherous waves of Teahupo’o, Tahiti, in pursuit of gold.
Despite the towering waves and frequent wipeouts, competitors credit the water safety patrol—a team of highly skilled local workers operating jet skis, boats, and a watchtower—with giving them the confidence to face the heavy, barrel-shaped surf. Their vigilance and rapid response have allowed surfers to brave these perilous waves with a measure of reassurance about their safety.
Teahupo’o’s waves are notorious and deadly, having claimed at least one life. Just beneath the surface, a jagged coral reef lurks, perilously close to where the waves break, presenting a constant hazard to surfers.
“It’s super dangerous. People don’t realize it’s the most dangerous place in the world … so I’m just really happy to be in one piece,” said Jack Robinson of Australia, reflecting on his round three victory. “It’s crazy. There are some huge waves out there.”
Though the Paris Olympics surfing events have avoided severe injuries so far, several athletes have emerged with stitches, bloody scrapes, and large bruises from their heats. Water safety patrollers on jet skis have frequently had to pull surfers from the water or off the reef, acting as lifelines in critical moments.
“They’re like guardian angels,” said local French Polynesian surfer Michel Bourez, who has frequented Teahupo’o for years and competed in the Tokyo Olympics. “They actually put their life on the line as well to come and rescue you.”
According to safety officials, the jet ski patrols are only a fraction of the water safety crew’s responsibilities. Each day begins with a briefing on ocean conditions. Throughout the competition, the team remains in constant communication with a watchtower patroller stationed out at sea, close to the breaking waves.
“Constant vigilance is necessary,” said Puatea Ellis, a 42-year-old water safety worker. “I need to keep an eye on people because panic can lead to accidents.”
Strategically, the water safety patrol also aids surfers during their heats. Powerful waves can wash surfers far from the optimal wave-catching zones, wasting their limited time. Without assistance, paddling back into position could take up to 15 minutes, potentially costing them the heat, explained International Surfing Association president Fernando Aguirre.
Beyond safeguarding the surfers, the water safety team also ensures the security of others in the water, such as camera operators covering the event. Their duties extend to recovering lost equipment from the rough waves.
“Water safety isn’t just for the surfers,” said Ellis. “It’s my job to keep everyone safe.”
The efforts of these vigilant water safety patrollers have made it possible for the Olympic surfing competition to proceed smoothly, despite the inherent dangers of Teahupo’o’s formidable waves.
