Friends, family, fans, and fellow surfers gathered at Bronte Beach on Saturday to honor the life of Matt Dee, a beloved lifeguard from the reality television series 'Bondi Rescue,' who died suddenly earlier this month at the age of 47. The heartwarming paddle-out ceremony saw attendees share memories, flowers, and take to the waves in tribute to Dee, who was a prominent figure on the show from 2008 to 2017.

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Dee spent nearly a decade saving lives on Sydney's eastern beaches. Beyond his on-screen persona, he was also a dedicated mental health ambassador. This passion was deeply influenced by the personal struggles of his brother and sister, who both died within a year of each other following battles with mental health issues.

IMAGE8 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

His family announced his death last Wednesday via social media, stating, 'It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our Matt Dee.' They added that he 'touched the lives of many' and would be 'deeply missed and forever remembered.'

IMAGE7 As surfers formed a huge circle in the ocean, those who loved Matt paid tribute to the TV star with flowers

Dee was known for his 'cheeky humour, infectious personality and unmistakable Aussie charm,' making him one of the show's most recognizable lifeguards. A compilation celebrating his memorable moments was even titled 'The Most Aussie Lifeguard EVER.'

IMAGE3 Other surfers were spotted carrying flowers in their mouths as they prepared to paddle out into the ocean

Away from his television work, Dee co-founded the non-profit organization FTW Revolution and was an advocate for Suicide Prevention Australia. His efforts in mental health awareness were profoundly shaped by the loss of his sister, Rachel Bridger Dee, who died at age 30 in December 2009 after a decade-long struggle with schizophrenia, and his older brother, Jonathan, who had bipolar disorder and passed away several months prior.

IMAGE5 Fellow lifeguards also turned up in honour of Matt

Dee's passing marks another tragic event in the history of 'Bondi Rescue' lifeguards, which has seen incidents including deaths, assaults, and drug charges among its cast members over the years. Notably, fellow lifeguard Terry 'T-Mac' McDermott died on September 1, 2022, at age 63 after a battle with cancer. McDermott, remembered as one of the 'nicest watermen,' had a career spanning over 30 years, including 20 years on the Central Coast and 10 years patrolling Bondi Beach.