The 2022-23 beach season will commence early this year, with the red and yellow flags to be placed in the sand on Thursday 22 September at many Central Coast Beaches. 

From Thursday, 10 of the 15 Central Coast beaches will be patrolled including Grant McBride Baths, ensuring the safety of those community members who intend to visit our scenic coastlines during the recently declared National Day of Mourning to mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. On Friday 23 September, all 15 patrol sites will be open, alongside Grant McBride Baths.

To kick off the first week of the 2022-23 beach patrol season, Central Coast Surf Life Saving Club’s official raising of the flag ceremony will take place on Saturday 24 September from 9am at Terrigal Beach.

Council Unit Manager Leisure Beach Safety and Community Facilities, Phil Cantillon said while many of our beaches will be supervised, everyone needs to be surf smart.

“It’s important for the community to know that when you visit one of our patrolled beach locations, you will be in good hands,” Mr Cantillon said.

“Council’s lifeguards will patrol our shorelines from Monday to Friday, and Surf Life Saving volunteers keep everyone safe on weekends and public holidays”.

“Council staff will be patrolling early this year to ensure the safety of those that decide to get out an about on the national Public Holiday and have dedicated our time to securing early patrols at as many beaches as possible with the notice provided”.

“We remind all community members to be surf smart by swimming between the red and yellow flags, and to stay informed with weather updates and any subsequent beach closures on Council’s Facebook page”.

“Board riders are asked to keep outside the black and white flags on each side of the red and yellow flags, as these indicate the surf craft exclusion zone.”

Beach goers are also reminded to follow these other important safety tips:

• Swim at supervised beaches only
• 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 obey the signs which indicate any hazards present
• 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 scums 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 phone.

SCHEDULE OF BEACH OPENING

Beaches scheduled for early patrol from Thursday, 22 September (9am - 5pm) include:

• Umina Beach 
• Ocean Beach
• Macmasters Beach 
• Avoca Beach
• Terrigal Beach
• Shelly Beach
• Toowoon Bay
• The Entrance Beach 
• Entrance Tower Channel
• Soldiers Beach
• Grant McBride Baths

Additional beaches patrolled from Friday 23 September (9am – 5pm) include:

• Killcare Beach
• Copacabana Beach
• North Avoca Beach
• Wamberal Beach
• North Entrance Beach
• Lakes Beach

All 15 Central Coast beaches, and the Grant McBride Baths will be patrolled from Friday, 23 September 2022 from 9am to 5pm with the season finishing on 25 April 2023. 

During the busy Christmas holiday period, from 19 December 2022 to 29 January 2023, all locations, including Budgewoi Beach, are patrolled for an extra hour - from 9am to 6pm. 

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