Five arrested over brutal bashing of lifeguard at suburban swimming pool after shocking footage of violent brawl
Five teenagers have been arrested and charged after a lifeguard was allegedly bashed at a public pool in Melbourne’s southeast in a shock attack caught on video.
It’s understood the gang of accused teens allegedly launched the brutal beating after the lifeguard asked them not to stop doing dangerous stunts near other swimmers.
The 19-year-old was on duty at the Casey Aquatic and Recreation Centre pool in Narre Warren, southeast Melbourne, when he was allegedly set upon at 5.50pm on Sunday, January 19.
It’s believed he had previously told a group of around eight males to stop being disruptive by doing backflip dives into the pool and other similar acts.
The 19-year-old was then allegedly headbutted, kicked and punched by the group who fled the scene.
Almost a month to the day, five teenagers were arrested by police in raids in Cranbourne North and Narre Warren South.
A 19-year-old man and an 18-year-old man, both from Cranbourne North, were arrested in the swoop.
A group of males police wanted to talk to after a wild brawl at a Melbourne pool
The 19-year-old was on duty at the Casey Aquatic and Recreation Centre pool in Narre Warren, southeast Melbourne, when he was set upon at about 5.50pm on Sunday, January 19
They were charged with affray and assault and bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on May.
Three other teenagers were also arrested during the search warrants with two 17-year-old boys from the Casey area charged with affray and assault.
Both have been bailed to appear at a children’s court on March 3.
A 15-year-old boy was released pending further enquiries.
On Tuesday, an 18-year-old Cranbourne North man himself in at Narre Warren police station.
He has been charged with affray and assault and bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on May 23.
The lifeguard, whose uniform was left splattered with blood, was taken to Dandenong Hospital to be treated for cuts and scratches to his upper body.
He has since been discharged.
Casey Aquatic and Recreation Centre pool in Narre Warren, southeast Melbourne
Victoria Police has previously released photos of a group of Middle Eastern appearance who may assist with inquiries.
Mother Julie Thorne Pemberton said it included a picture of her son but he had actually attempted to help the lifeguard.
‘That’s my son in the black vest taking the chair away that they were using to slam into the young lifeguard’s face,’ she posted on social media.
‘He pushed into the group to help. I’ve seen footage that his girlfriend had and it’s pretty full on and disgusting.’
Ms Thorne Pemberton said the lifeguard had only been doing his duty to try and keep other swimmers safe.
‘He asked them to stop doing dives & backflips into the pool. They had already been told & had a timeout period but kept going anyway,’ she said.
La Trobe MP Jason Wood shared footage of the alleged attack on social media and urged anyone who recognised those involved to contact police.
In the video, the lifeguard was surrounded by teenagers in boardshorts as others threw plastic chairs on the side of the pool.
Casey Crime Investigation Unit Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Luke Shore told reporters on days after the attack that police would boost patrols at Casey community centres.
‘We’re organising reassurance patrols at (Casey) facilities … we’ve put out some tasks to our frontline to ensure there’s a visible police presence when and where possible at our local facilities,’ he said at the time.
The police officer described the offending as ‘cowardly’
‘The lifeguard was just trying to do his job and keep the community safe,’ he said.
‘It’s really concerning and really disturbing.’
City of Casey Mayor Stefan Koomen told 9News that his council had taken ‘immediate steps to increase security’ at its aquatic centres.
City of Casey Mayor Stefan Koomen told 9News that his council had taken ‘immediate steps to increase security’ at its aquatic centres
‘On behalf of the council, I want to reassure our community that we are deeply committed to making our aquatic facilities safe for everyone to enjoy,’ he said.
‘We are actively supporting the police investigation and providing all necessary assistance. We are taking immediate steps to increase security at all our aquatic centres to ensure a safe environment for everyone.’
Locals also slammed the incident on social media.
‘This incident makes me very angry. Unfortunately kindness is mistaken for weakness. I hope this young lifeguard gets the support he deserves,’ one wrote on X.
‘I take my daughter to this pool regularly, there has been an increase of violence in the past weeks as there was a stabbing at Fountain Gate the week before. Very concerning,’ one mother added.
