If you plan on heading to the beach, make sure you do it at one of our 15 popular patrolled ocean beaches where you will be in safe hands with our lifeguards (Monday to Friday) and volunteer lifesavers (weekends and public holidays).

To cater for the influx of tourists we expect to visit the Coast, our lifeguards will also return to Budgewoi Beach to patrol over the four-day Easter long weekend (Friday 14 to Monday 17 April) from 9am to 5pm, with a focus on the flagged area.

There are a few simple rules to help keep you safe on our beaches: swim between the red and yellow flags; read and obey water safety signs; and never swim under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Encourage your family and friends to do the same.

If you do find yourself in trouble, stay calm, float with the current, raise your arm and call for help.

You can find out about the current surf conditions or how to stay safe at our beaches by asking one of our friendly lifeguards or volunteer lifesavers, who will be only too happy to help.

We also have a number of indoor and outdoor public pools, leisure centres and ocean baths patrolled by lifeguards across the Coast – these are another great, safe option if you are looking for somewhere to swim.

Remember all our beaches, pools and ocean baths are alcohol free, and glass is not permitted in any of these areas for the safety of everyone.

The official Central Coast beach season will come to an end on Tuesday 25 April 2017.