It’s summer on the Coast - and what a great time of the year it is! The Coast is a popular holiday spot, which means there will be more people at our facilities and on local roads as children enjoy the outdoors, families get extra visitors and tourists flock to the region.

While many like to visit our piece of paradise, some of us like to travel and take road trips as part of our holidays.

No matter how you decide to spend your summer break, we want you and your families to stay safe these holidays and enjoy your time in the sun.

At the beach
If you’re visiting one of our 15 popular ocean beaches this summer, you will be in safe hands with our lifeguards (Monday to Friday) and volunteer lifesavers (weekends and public holidays).

During the summer holidays, our lifeguards are again extending their patrols at Budgewoi Beach to seven days a week, 9am to 5pm, until Australia Day, focusing on the flagged area.

There are a few simple rules to help keep you safe; swim between the red and yellow flags, read and obey water safety signs, and never swim under the influence of drugs or alcohol - encourage your family and friends to do the same.

If you do find yourself in trouble, stay calm, float with the current, raise your arm and call for help.

If you have any questions about how to stay safe at our beaches, ask one of our friendly lifeguards or volunteer lifesavers.

Don’t forget to: slip (on long sleeve protective clothing), slop (on SPF 50+ sunscreen), slap (on a broad-brimmed hat), seek (shade), and slide (on sunglasses).

On the road
As most of us celebrate the festive season, we also need to plan a safe trip home - especially when alcohol is involved.

If you’re out and about with family and friends these holidays, make sure you have organised your Plan B to get home safely.

If you don’t have a designated driver organised, check out the local Late Night Transport Guide that provides a full list of phone numbers on the Central Coast for courtesy bus services, taxis and local timetables for trains and buses.

Organise your Plan B to get home safely, and be sure to visit  liquoraccords.org.au/transport-links for transport options.

As well as planning a safe trip home, we also need to take extra care on the roads. Make sure everyone is buckled up and be aware of driver fatigue and rest at least every two hours on long trips.

Don’t forget double demerits will be in force from Friday 23 December to Monday 2 January (inclusive).

The double demerit point scheme applies for offences such as speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, riding without a helmet, mobile phone use, or not using child restraints.

In the pool
If you’re going to cool off at home this summer, make sure you always supervise your children in the water and ensure your fence is safe to avoid any accidents.

In this weather pools can be great fun; however, this can end in tragedy if a child accesses the pool unsupervised.

Make sure your pool is safe by regularly checking the fence is secure, and the gate and latch are in working order.

With your pets
While we might enjoy the fireworks, our pets are at home trying to find a safe place away from the noise.

Make sure your backyard is secure, and bring them inside or make them feel safe so they don’t run away.

It’s also a good thing to ensure your pet’s microchip details are up to date before the festive season, so you can be reunited with your pet as soon as possible, should they escape your yard.

If they do end up escaping, check with one of our animal care facilities at Charmhaven on 4350 3184 or Erina on 4304 4350.

Council wishes you and your family a safe and enjoyable summer on the scenic Central Coast!