Bondi rescue star Terry McDermott has died, with the programme honouring him as "one of the nicest watermen to don a jersey".

Bondi Rescue lifeguard Terry "Tezz" McDermott has died after a battle with cancer.

A post shared to the hit TV show's Facebook page late on Friday mourned "the loss of 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."

In a tragic final post to Instagram, McDermott showed himself singing in the cancer ward of Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney with other patients, joking: "Cancer can't get us, we're too happy".

Fans flocked to the post on Saturday, writing "rest easy you legend", and "you were the best".

McDermott spent 20 years working as a lifeguard on the Central Coast and 10 years patrolling the famous Bondi Beach.

In addition to several seasons on Network Ten's hit reality show, Bondi Rescue, McDermott also starred in the spin-off series, Bondi Rescue: Bali.

Co-star Trent Maxwell also shared a moving tribute to McDermott, thanking him for "teaching me the ropes of lifeguarding".

"I will miss you mate, never a dull moment," he wrote. "You were a great waterman and always had some great wisdom to share to the young blokes. We had some great times together you will be missed."

According to Sunshine Coast Lifeguards, he died on September 1 surrounded by family and friends after a battle with cancer.

"Terry was a charismatic, articulate character who always had a wonderful story to tell," the group shared on Facebook.

"He was a friend and colleague to many lifeguards around the country and, in fact, well known all over the world.

"RIP champion."