SURF’S UP – officially.
Flags went up on patrolled beaches around Port Macquarie last Saturday, the official start of the patrol season, with a selection of beaches across the region now supervised on a part-time basis.
Beaches patrolled by council lifeguards or volunteers from local surf clubs include Town Beach, Flynns, Lighthouse, Rainbow Beach (Bonny Hills) and North Haven.
Surf clubs will hold an open day this Sunday, 29 September, to celebrate and showcase their activities to the public. Nipper (junior) registrations from children who would like to be involved are also open at some clubs. Older residents are also invited to come down and say g’day and talk about the many different volunteer roles available.
While the start of the season was a happy time for many, it was not quite such a happy event for lifeguards on Town Beach, where submerged rocks are causing concern. Heavy seas have washed away a significant amount of sand, leaving the rocks exposed. Depending on the conditions, lifeguards will attempt to provide a smaller than usual supervised swimming area, conditions permitting.
As always, the message is: ‘No flags, no swim’. Several people died when swimming unsupervised last year on local beaches. Beachgoers should check patrol times on www.hastings.nsw.gov.au or beachsafe.org.au/
For more information on local surf clubs visit surflifesaving.com.au
