Council lifeguards and volunteers from local surf lifesaving clubs have returned to the sands, with the official start of the beach patrol season last weekend.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council General Manager, Mr Hayward, attended the Council lifeguards’ final training drills session at Flynns Beach to welcome the lifeguards back to the beach and wish them well for the season ahead.
“Council’s Lifeguards and surf lifesavers are indispensible within a coastal community like ours, and I cannot praise them enough for their continued vigilance in ensuring our safety each summer,” Mr Hayward said.
“Lifeguards and surf lifesavers are educated in beach safety so, before stepping into the water, Council encourages every-one to check the beach conditions with the experts and swim between the flags,” Mr Hayward said.
He also said all major local beaches would be patrolled from Friday, September 21, coinciding with the beginning of the school holidays.
“Five local beaches will be patrolled throughout the two weeks of the school holidays, with full-time lifeguards and volunteer surf lifesavers on hand to assist the holidaying public and to educate beachgoers about surf safety,” Mr Hayward said.
“Look for either the white and blue uniforms of the professional lifeguards or red and yellow uniforms of the surf lifesaving club members if in need of any assistance, information or direction when visiting one of our patrolled beaches.
“Here in the Hastings we have an amazing coastline right on our doorstep, but surf conditions can change very quickly, so the more information you are armed with before entering the water, the better prepared you will be.”
Mr Hayward said the recent warm weather and sunshine would ensure a busy start to the patrol season, but implored people venturing to the beach to play their part in staying safe when entering the surf.
“Always remember to swim at a patrolled beach and look for the red and yellow flags. And if you are ever in doubt, make sure to ask a lifeguard or surf lifesaving member.”
Town Beach will remain patrolled by Council lifeguards beyond the school holidays, seven days a week from 9am-4.30pm. Council lifeguards will patrol Flynns Beach Monday-Friday from 9am-4.30pm, with volunteer surf lifesavers patrolling on weekends.
School Holiday patrolled beach times:
Town Beach 9am-4.30pm
Flynns Beach 9am-4.30pm
Lighthouse Beach 9am-4.00pm
Bonny Hills 9am-4.00pm
North Haven 9am-4.00pm
