The 2023-24 Central Coast beach patrol season officially concluded on Sunday 28 April 2024, with teams from Central Coast Council and Surf Life Saving Central Coast ensuring the safety of millions of beachgoers.

Over 3.7 million visits were recorded across the Coast's 15 patrolled beaches during the season. Council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving Central Coast lifesavers completed 1,539 rescues and treated over 3,200 first-aid incidents.

Council Unit Manager Leisure Beach Safety and Community Services, Phil Cantillon said once again the importance, and the professionalism, of the beach patrol teams was evident in ensuring the safety of beach goers.

“As always, Council remains committed to investing in making our beaches safer for locals and visitors and we are already preparing for the 2024-25 season," Mr Cantillon said.

New investments and initiatives include:

• $20,000 in grant funding to Central Coast Surf Life Saving to install inflatable rescue tubes across high-risk and remote locations. 
• As part of the NSW Government Smart Beaches program, cameras will be installed at Umina Beach, North Shelly and Soldiers Beach to monitor unpatrolled areas and beach profiles.
• Investment by the NSW Government will see three new Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs) for Spoon Bay, Fraser Park and Forresters Beach installed. This is in addition to the ERBs installed at Budgewoi Beach, The Entrance Channel and Pearl Beach in 2023. 

Mr Cantillon said the ERBs are a critical addition to beach safety infrastructure and can make all the difference in an emergency, as they connect callers to Surf Life Saving NSW’s State Operations Centre which enables a faster response to potential rescues, particularly in unpatrolled areas. 

“Over the winter period, Council will also be updating its beach safety fleet with seven new Can-Am buggies replacing current assets at various locations. 

“Additionally, essential lifesaving equipment will be serviced and repaired, including radio networks, two-way radios, oxygen equipment and lifeguard towers.”

Council Administrator, Rik Hart applauded the tremendous effort of Council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving Central Coast lifesavers. 

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to our dedicated lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers for their tireless efforts this past season,” Mr Hart said. 

“Their commitment to beach safety has kept millions of visitors safe while enjoying our beautiful coastline.

“While the official patrol season has ended, I want to remind everyone to prioritise safety when enjoying the Central Coast’s waterways throughout the year.” 

Safety tips include:
•    Always take some sort of flotation device
•    Never swim alone
•    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 phone
•    Avoid swimming for at least one day after heavy rain to decrease exposure to stormwater pollution
•    When out on the water, be sure to check your vessel, check the weather, wear appropriate safety equipment, prepare children, let others know where you’re going and know what to do in an emergency.

Recruitment for the 2024-25 season will begin online in early August. Council is seeking passionate individuals interested in the ocean, surfing and surf lifesaving, and committed to fitness and community service. Casual and seasonal lifeguard roles will be advertised on Council’s website prior to the season commencing.

The 2024-25 beach patrol season will commence on Saturday 28 September, with Surf Life Saving Clubs on patrol, and Monday 30 September for Council Lifeguards.

For more information and safety tips, search ‘beach safety’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au