The 2024-2025 beach patrol season kicks off this weekend, with flags being raised across 15 Central Coast beaches from Saturday 28 September. The season will commence with an official ‘raising of the flag’s’ ceremony on Saturday 28 September at Avoca beach at 9am hosted by Surf Life Saving Central Coast.

Council lifeguards patrol the shorelines between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, with Surf Life Saving volunteers keeping everyone safe on the weekends and public holidays. Both organisations work closely to provide a seamless seven day a week service.

Council’s beach lifeguards will also monitor The Entrance Channel from 28 September throughout the October school holidays on weekends and public holidays, as well as patrol The Grant McBride Baths seven days a week.

Council's lifeguards and Surf Life Saving volunteers provide search and rescue services for coastal beaches, as well as emergency medical care when required.  They also play an important role in educating swimmers and visitors on beach and water safety.

The raising of the flags, is a timely reminder to the community that while there are lifeguards and lifesavers on patrol, it is important to stay up to date with safety messaging so everyone can have a safe and enjoyable season.

Key safety tips include: 
•    Take the time and drive five more minutes to a patrolled beach and swim in between the flags
•    If you get into difficulty, stay calm, raise your arm and yell for assistance
•    Never run or dive into the water, as the depth can change quickly
•    Children should always be supervised by an adult at all aquatic locations
•    If you are unsure of the conditions, ask a lifeguard or lifesaver
•    Always listen to the lifeguards and lifesavers
•    Avoid swimming for at least one day after heavy rain to decrease exposure to stormwater pollution
•    Be aware of obvious signs of pollution such as litter, odours and surface scum following heavy rain
•    If you’re going rock fishing, be sure to plan ahead - wear appropriate safety equipment, let others know where you are going and carry a charged phone

Also in coming weeks, and ready for the summer season, will be the new ramp at Soldier’s Beach, adjacent to the surf club building – enabling easy access for lifeguard and lifesaver teams to access the beach with vehicles. ,

The completion of this access ramp is the third in four new infrastructure projects at Soldier’s Beach and Jenny Dixon Beach.

As with past seasons, the community is urged to keep safety top-of-mind, and residents and visitors alike to find their closest patrolled location this summer.

This patrol season will also see a new blue uniform worn by Council beach lifeguards, introduced to align with other Council lifeguard services across New South Wales.

During the busy Christmas holiday period, from 21 December 2024 to 31 January 2025, the 15 beach locations and The Grant McBride Baths will be patrolled for an extra an hour (9am-6pm).

Council also has a suite of serviced beach wheelchairs available for free hire, along with beach matting installed at several beaches across the Coast.

For more information and find your nearest patrolled beach location, visit: https://www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/recreation/leisure/beaches