Louise Santos: Bondi life-saver and super fit Aussie mum suddenly dies on holiday in France

A dedicated mother and surf life-saver has been mourned by her community after she suddenly died while holidaying abroad. 

Louise Santos, 54, was with her husband Stuart and son Josh in France on Monday when tragedy struck just 10 days after her birthday.

Ms Santos was a storied athlete and active member of the Bondi Surf Club, where she worked and volunteered for more than 20 years. 

The club’s President was among the hundreds of people who have paid tribute since her death.

The cause of her death has not yet been revealed. 

Ms Santos has been remembered by her community as an active member of the Bondi Surf Club, where she worked and volunteered for more than 20 years

‘The entire club stands in profound shock, grappling with the void left by Louise’s passing,’ Brent Jackson said.

‘Her influence reverberated through countless aspects of our club, and her absence will be profoundly felt by each and every one of us. 

‘Louise’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication, and the profound impact she had on our club’s journey.’

The surf club lowered their flag to half mast on Wednesday to pay their respects to Ms Santos, who had just become an honorary lifetime member.

Mr Jackson and her had just wrapped up planning the upcoming season of the club’s surf sports team.

‘Her commitment knew no bounds, and she continued to champion our cause diligently,’ he said.

The mum of one (pictured) had previously competed in Ironwoman challenges and more than 40 Australian Masters and World Masters Surf Life Saving events

The Bondi Surf club’s President, Brent Jackson, paid tribute to Ms Santos, describing her as unwaveringly dedicated and impactful (pictured, Bondi Surf Club)

On Wednesday morning surfers took a minutes silence to remember their former Captain.

A candlelit service was held later that day at the club. 

Friends and family have also remembered her on social media, describing her as a ‘humble, enthusiastic, cheerful’ person.

‘Her welcoming smile was warm and genuine. She was everything you could want as a lifesaver and a Bondi member,’ one wrote.

Ms Santos was also a gifted athlete, earning more than 40 medals in Australian Masters and World Masters Surf Life Saving events.

In 2005, she became Bondi’s first female individual Australian gold medalist in the Ironwoman 35 to 39 years age bracket.

She also placed second in her age group at the Coolangatta Gold Long Course endurance event in 2018.