Hastings Lifeguards have issued a timely safety reminder to beachgoers, promoting this year’s simple message, “No Flags No Swim”.
With the holiday period already underway, head Lifeguard Grant Hudson has pleaded to residents and holiday makers to make use of the numerous patrolled beaches across the region and swim safely.
“We have had too many tragedies on our beach, with four deaths in the past twelve months and they have all occurred on unpatrolled beaches,” Mr Hudson said.
Six beaches throughout the Port Macquarie-Hastings region will be patrolled throughout the summer, with full-time lifeguards and volunteer surf lifesavers on hand to assist the holidaying public.
Mr Hudson said the lifeguards and surf lifesavers were educated in beach safety and implored people to check beach conditions with the experts before leaving the sand for the surf.
“Surf conditions can change very quickly so the more information you have before you go into the water the better aware you will be,” he said.
“We have some of the best beaches on the NSW coast and the majority of these will be patrolled over the summer holidays.”
Changes to the Red and Yellow flags have seen the signage synonymous with patrolled waters enlarged, ensuring greater visibility from the surf. The Buffer flags for surfboard riders have also been changed to a black and white-chequered flag.
Patrolled beach times this summer:
Town Beach   9am-5.30pm
Flynns Beach   9am-5.30pm
Lighthouse Beach   9am-4.30pm
Bonny Hills   9am-4.30pm
North Haven   9am-4.30pm
Lake Cathie   9am-3pm
