The 2024-2025 beach patrol season kicks off this weekend, with flags being raised across 15 Central Coast beaches from Saturday 28 September. This season will commence with an official ‘raising of the flag’s’ ceremony on Saturday 28 September at Avoca beach at 9am  hosted by Surf Life Saving Central Coast.

Council lifeguards patrol our shorelines between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, and Surf Life Saving volunteers keep everyone safe on the weekends and public holidays. Both organisations work closely to provide a seamless seven day a week service, keeping residents and visitors to the region safe on our beaches. 
Council’s beach lifeguards will also monitor The Entrance Channel from 28 September throughout the October school holidays on weekends and public holidays, as well as patrol The Grant McBride Baths seven days a week.

Council’s Unit Manager Leisure Beach Safety and Community Facilities, Phil Cantillon said the red and yellow flags signify lifeguards and lifesavers returning to patrol our beaches to keep our community safe when enjoying our beautiful coastline. 

“Council's lifeguards and Surf Life Saving volunteers provide search and rescue services for our coastal beaches, as well as emergency medical care when required,” Mr Cantillon said. 

“They also play an important role in educating swimmers and visitors on beach and water safety.
“This is a timely reminder to the community that while we have lifeguards and lifesavers on patrol, it is important to stay up to date with safety messaging so everyone can have a safe and enjoyable season.”

Key safety tips include: 
•    Take the time and drive five more minutes to a patrolled beach and swim in between the flags
•    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 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 scum 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 charged phone

Mr Cantillon added that also ready for the summer season will be the new ramp at Soldier’s Beach, adjacent to the surf club building – enabling easy access for lifeguard and lifesaver teams to access the beach with vehicles.  The ramp is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

“The completion of this access ramp is the third in four new infrastructure projects at Soldier’s Beach and Jenny Dixon Beach, and we know the community will welcome the completion of the ramp.”

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said both Council lifeguards and Surf Life Savers are committed to supporting a safe season ahead.

“As with past seasons, the goal is to ensure that everyone who visits our beautiful waterways do so safely,” Mr Hart said.

“I urge the community to keep safety top-of-mind and encourage residents and visitors alike to find their closest patrolled location this summer,” Mr Hart said.

This patrol season will also see a new blue uniform worn by Council beach lifeguards, introduced to align with other Council lifeguard services across New South Wales.

During the busy Christmas holiday period, from 21 December 2024 to 31 January 2025, the 15 beach locations and The Grant McBride Baths will be patrolled for an extra an hour (9am-6pm).

Council also has a suite of serviced beach wheelchairs available for free hire, along with beach matting installed at several beaches across the Coast.

For more information and find your nearest patrolled beach location, visit: https://www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/recreation/leisure/beaches