With summer upon us, Central Coast residents and visitors are reminded of the importance of beach safety and swimming between the flags.

As holidaymakers flock to the region, Central Coast Council is encouraging beachgoers to be safe and take care, by following these simple safety tips:

• Only swim at a patrolled beaches
• Only swim between the red and yellow flags
• Remember - if the lifeguards can’t see you, they can’t save you
• If you get into difficulty, remain calm, float, and raise your arm to signal for help.
• Never swim if you’re feeling unwell or have been drinking alcohol

Mayor Jane Smith said it was important for beachgoers to swim between the flags and to understand the two main types of flags used on our beaches.

“With an anticipated 1.3 million visitors using our patrolled beach locations throughout the busy Christmas holiday period, it’s necessary that people are advised about the importance of beach safety,” said Mayor Smith.

“The red and yellow flags indicate supervised areas patrolled by Council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving members that are safe for swimming.

“To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience, surfers and board riders are asked to remain outside of the black and white flags that are located next to the red and yellow flags.

“These black and white flags are used to ensure board riders don’t impact safe swimming areas and will now be used consistently at all beach locations by Council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving.”

Council lifeguards patrol 15 locations from Monday to Friday, while Surf Life Saving members patrol on weekends and public holidays.

“We also have a lot of visitors to the coast who may not be aware of our patrol locations and times, so we have to work together to spread the word,” explained Mayor Smith.

“Having streamlined hours to align with Surf Life Saving across all 15 locations makes this easier and safer for all.”

Beach patrol hours during non-peak holiday times (23 September 2017 until 15 December 2017 and 1 February 2017 until 30 April 2018) are 9am to 5pm.

During the summer peak holiday period, between 16 December 2017 and 28 January 2018, all locations will operate from 9am to 6pm with Terrigal, Avoca and Umina beaches operating from 8am until 6pm.

There will be additional patrols at Budgewoi Beach and Ficus Avenue (Avoca Beach Lifeguard Tower) during the holiday periods, and Entrance Ocean Baths will be patrolled from Monday until Sunday.

All locations will align with the peak and non-peak patrol hours.

“As we head into the busy patrol season, I’d like to remind beach goers about the vital work Council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving members do to keep us safe,” said Mayor Smith.

“In addition to providing vital search and rescue services, and emergency medical care when required, they also play an important role in educating the public in beach and water safety.

“I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the fantastic work they do each and every day.”