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Bondi Rescue lifeguard Matt Dee was honoured with a heartwarming paddle-out at Bronte Beach on Saturday.
Matt, who featured on the reality show from 2008 until 2017, died suddenly at the age of 47 earlier this month.
A touching farewell for the lifeguard and mental health ambassador saw friends, family, fans and fellow surfers gather along the sand with flowers and take to the waves with their surfboards.
Food, drinks and music were shared among the crowd, with the celebration of Matt's life kicking off under the sun as attendees shared memories of the lifeguard.
Matt spent almost a decade saving lives on Sydney's eastern beaches.
He also dedicated himself to helping people who struggled with their mental health, inspired by the struggles of his brother and sister, who died in the space of a year, following their own battles.
Matt Dee, who was a familiar face on the reality show from 2008 until 2017, died suddenly at the age of 47 earlier this month
Dee was honoured with a heartwarming paddle-out at Bronte Beach on Saturday
The touching farewell saw friends, family, fans and fellow surfers gather along the sand with flowers, while many took to the waves with their surfboards
Matt's family announced his death last Wednesday in a statement shared on social media.
'It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our Matt Dee,' they began.
'Matt touched the lives of many, he also did amazing work and he will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who knew and loved him.
'Funeral arrangements and details will be shared once they have been finalised.
'If Matt's passing has brought up difficult feelings for you, please know that you don't have to face them alone. Support is available.'
Matt became one of Bondi Rescue's most recognisable and beloved lifeguards, winning fans with his cheeky humour, infectious personality and unmistakable Aussie charm.
As surfers formed a huge circle in the ocean, those who loved Matt paid tribute to the TV star with flowers
Food, drinks and music were shared among the crowd, with the celebration of Matt's life kicking off at midday as attendees shared memories of the lifeguard
Fellow lifeguards also turned up in honour of Matt
Attendees could be seen carrying bunches of flowers in their hands
Other surfers were spotted carrying flowers in their mouths as they prepared to paddle out into the ocean
His popularity was so great that Bondi Rescue later celebrated his greatest moments in a compilation titled 'The Most Aussie Lifeguard EVER'.
Away from the cameras, Matt dedicated much of his time to helping others, co-founding non-profit organisation FTW Revolution and working to raise awareness around mental health.
He was also a Suicide Prevention Australia advocate.
The reality TV personality's younger sister, Rachel Bridger Dee, died aged 30 in December 2009, following a decade-long battle with schizophrenia.
His older brother Jonathan had bipolar disorder and died several months earlier.
The Bondi Rescue star and his siblings grew up in a tight-knit family, being raised by their single mother in Melbourne.
Some attendees remained on the beach, sharing memories of Matt as they watched surfers take to the water
Others took the chance to celebrate Matt's life with a drink
At one point, a group of attendees came together to take a photo
Matt's tragic passing is the latest in a string of tragedies that have plagued Bondi Rescue lifeguards over the years, ranging from deaths to assault and drug charges.
One such tragedy included the death of beloved lifeguard Terry 'T-Mac' McDermott, aged 63, on September 1, 2022.
He died following a battle with cancer and his passing was announced in a post on the Facebook page Bondi Rescue Lifeguards.
Terry was described as one of 'the nicest watermen to don a jersey'.
'This selfless man saved countless lives during his career spanning more than 30 years working at many different beaches,' the tribute read.
'Terry, Tezzy, T-Mac, Moondoggy McDermott. Thank you for your service to the community. Rest easy great man.'
Terry spent 20 years working as a lifeguard on the Central Coast and 10 years patrolling the famous Bondi Beach.
If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
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