Beaches across the Central Coast will raise their red and yellow flags this Saturday 23 September 2017, to mark the official start of the beach patrol season.

The flags will stand tall at 15 beaches across the Coast until Monday 30 April 2018.

During non-peak holiday times (Saturday 23 September 2017 until Friday 15 December 2017 and Wednesday 31 January 2018 until Monday 30 April 2018) the hours of patrol across all beach locations are 9.00am to 5.00pm.

During the summer peak holiday period, from Saturday 16 December 2017 until Tuesday 30 January 2018, all locations will operate from 9.00am to 6.00pm, with the exception of Terrigal, Avoca and Umina beaches, which will operate from 8.00am until 6.00pm.

From Monday to Friday, professional Central Coast Council lifeguards patrol beaches across the coast, while on weekends and public holidays these locations are patrolled by Surf Life Saving volunteers.

Central Coast Council’s Connected Communities Group Leader Julie Vaughan said Council and Surf Life Saving work together to keep our beaches safe over the summer beach season.

“We have a dedicated team of volunteers and Council lifeguards that keep our beaches safe,” said Ms Vaughan.

“Together they provide a search and rescue service for our coastal waters as well as emergency medical care when required. They also educate the public in beach and water safety, so please follow their direction and obey the beach safety signs.

“Please ensure that you stay within the red and yellow flags, watch out for fellow swimmers, read the signs and remain safe while swimming at our beautiful beaches.

“Most of all please keep your wits about you. If you’re unsure about something, ask a lifeguard.  Don’t hesitate.”

Surf Life Saving Central Coast CEO Chris Parker said he was prepared for a busy season.

“After a long winter it’s fantastic that the beach season is finally here with the official raising of the flags this weekend,” said Mr Parker.

“The weather forecast is looking very good, so we’re expecting to see large crowds return to local beaches.

“The Central Coast beaches are among the best in the world but, at times, can be more dangerous than they look. We need the community to use common sense and think about their family’s safety by avoiding remote locations and only swimming at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags.

“Surf lifesavers and Council lifeguards play such an essential role in protecting the local community and visitors to Central Coast beaches, often in challenging conditions.

“Anyone heading to the beach should know that, if they listen and follow the direction of these highly trained people, they can have an enjoyable and safe time.

“The red and yellow army of lifesavers volunteered over 99,000 patrol hours to keep the public safe at our beaches last season and saved 1,115 lives. We are well prepared for another big season ahead.”

The Entrance Ocean Baths will also be supervised between Wednesday 20 September 2017 and Monday 30 April 2018, from 9.00am until 5.00pm.