Central Coast beach patrol season came to an official close on Tuesday 25 April 2023, with the 2023/24 season to recommence on Saturday 23 September 2023.

The year’s summer season saw over 3.7million visitations on the Coast’s 15 patrolled beaches during Council lifeguard and Surf Life Saving Central Coast patrolling periods. Together the teams completed a total of 1,742 rescues and treated over 3,200 first aid incidents. 

Council Unit Manager, Leisure Beach Safety and Community Services, Phil Cantillon said Council are committed to continuing to make our beaches safer and are already preparing for the 2023/24 season.  

“While the patrol season for 2022/23 has concluded we are preparing for the upcoming season by servicing, maintaining, and replacing beach safety equipment and updating vital rescue equipment used to conduct beach operations,” Mr Cantillon said.

“Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) with support from the NSW Government have also been working collaboratively with us to install Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs) at three locations across the Coast; Budgewoi Beach, The Entrance Channel and Pearl Beach to extend the reach of lifesaving operations all year round.

“The ERBs connect the community to SLSNSW State Operations Centre where a State Duty Officer is on hand to gather important information, issue instructions and obtain appropriate services in an event of an emergency.

“Until the next patrol season, we encourage the community to check out safe swimming options available throughout the winter period at The Grant McBride Baths, Toukley Aquatic Centre, Gosford Pool and Peninsula Leisure Centre.”

Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said both Council lifeguards and Surf Life Savers across the 15 surf life saving clubs on the Coast have worked tirelessly to ensure everyone had a safe summer season.

“The number of rescues and first aid treatments recorded this year are high and reflect the tremendous effort Council Lifeguards and Surf Life Saving Central Coast lifesavers put in every day to keep our beautiful beaches safe,” Mr Hart said.

“Just as we continue to enhance safety in preparation for the 2023/24 season it is important to remember that while the summer season is over, many are still visiting our beaches to enjoy the water. I urge everyone to keep safety top of their mind when in and around our waterways.”

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

For more information and patrolled beach locations, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/beaches