The need for safety vigilance has been amplified as the Central Coast enters what is expected to be the busiest summer season on record.

Central Coast Council’s new ‘Coast Summer Safety ’ campaign will highlight messages unique to the upcoming season – COVID-safety, record numbers at local beaches and preparing for extreme La Niña weather – as well as important safety reminders for when ‘out and about’, travelling and celebrating.

Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said a bumper summer season would deliver a welcome economic boost to the region but also heightened the importance of safety.

“This summer is going to be a little different to others – not only are we expecting record numbers of visitors to our beautiful region but we remain in the midst of a global pandemic and a La Niña weather pattern,” Ms Vaughan said.

“With more people at our beaches, cafes, restaurants, shops and tourist attractions – we must be vigilant in our COVID-safe practices.

“Time in and around water is a big part of summer on the Coast but wherever there is water there is danger and this campaign emphasises what we can do to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.

“We are no strangers to extreme weather on the Coast and this summer we need to be ready for bush fires, heatwaves, storms and flooding.

“Our roads and pathways will also be very busy and many of us will be travelling for holidays and to visit family and friends – this campaign reminds us what we can do to be safer on and around roads and pathways.”

Coast Summer Safety will primarily be delivered via an innovative and targeted digital campaign in December, January and February across the following categories:

• Be COVID-safe
• Safety on the beach and around water
• ‘Get Ready’ for extreme weather
• Safety out and about
• Safe travels
• Safe celebrations

Council Administrator, Dick Persson AM said safety needs to be front of mind this summer.

“A bumper season means job opportunities on the Coast and a welcome boost to the local economy, particularly to businesses hit hard by COVID,” Mr Persson said.

“We all need to be patient and kind and take simple steps to keep ourselves and others safe.”

Explore Coast Summer Safety messages by visiting centralcoast.gov.au/CoastSummerSafety