newy.com.au – Lake Macquarie lifeguard Nick Ophir is retiring after more than four decades watching generations of local families return to the city’s beaches and swimming pools.

Mr Ophir began working for the former Lake Macquarie Municipal Council as a temporary lifeguard at Redhead Beach during the 1982 school holidays.

He secured a permanent job as a relief lifeguard in 1985, rotating between pools and beaches before moving into a full-time position at Swansea Swim Centre. He transferred to Charlestown Swim Centre in 1995 and has worked there ever since.

The long career has allowed him to see children he first met during the 1980s return with their own children and, in some cases, grandchildren.

“I feel very privileged,” Mr Ophir said as he prepared to retire on Friday, August 14.

He said Lake Macquarie’s pools had changed considerably since he started, when entry cost 40 cents and records were kept by hand.

“There were no computers – everything was done with pen and paper,” he said.

Mr Ophir said the relationships built with colleagues and regular swimmers would be among the things he missed most.

“It’s all I’ve really known, and when you think about it, it’s a pretty good place to turn up to each day,” he said.

“The things I’ll miss are not just the people I’ve worked with over the years, but also the many regulars I see every day. Those relationships and familiar faces have been a big part of what has made the job special.”

Lake Macquarie mayor Adam Shultz described Mr Ophir’s length of service as “an extraordinary achievement”.

“Few people have the privilege of seeing children they once welcomed to our pools and beaches return with children and grandchildren of their own,” Cr Shultz said.

Mr Ophir plans to spend more time with his wife Margaret, their five children and four grandchildren, as well as travelling. He also expects to keep swimming occasionally at Charlestown and Speers Point.

Information about Lake Macquarie’s six swim centres is available at https://swim.lakemac.com.au/Lake-Mac-Swim-Centres-Home.