The beach season will begin early on the Central Coast this year, with the red and yellow flags to be placed in the sand on Thursday, September 22, at many beaches and an official flag raising ceremony to take place at 9am on Saturday, September 24, at Terrigal.
From September 22, 10 of the 15 Central Coast beaches will be patrolled, along with Grant McBride Baths, ensuring the safety of those who want to enjoy the beach on the National Day of Mourning to mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
Beaches to open that day are Umina Beach, Ocean Beach, Macmasters Beach, Avoca Beach, Terrigal Beach, Shelly Beach, Toowoon Bay, The Entrance Beach, The Entrance Tower Channel and Soldiers Beach.
On Friday, September 23, the remaining five beaches will be open.
These are Killcare Beach, Copacabana Beach, North Avoca Beach, Wamberal Beach, North Entrance Beach and Lakes Beach.
Council Unit Manager Leisure Beach Safety and Community Facilities, Phil Cantillon, said while many of our beaches will be supervised, everyone needs to be surf smart.
“It’s important for the community to know that when you visit one of our patrolled beach locations, you will be in good hands,” Cantillon said.
“Council’s lifeguards will patrol our shorelines from Monday to Friday, and Surf Life Saving volunteers keep everyone safe on weekends and public holidays.”
Cantillon said Council had secured early patrols at as many beaches as possible with the notice provided.
“We remind all community members to be surf smart by swimming between the red and yellow flags, and to stay informed with weather updates and any subsequent beach closures on Council’s Facebook page,” he said.
“Board riders are asked to keep outside the black and white flags on each side of the red and yellow flags, as these indicate the surf craft exclusion zone.”
During the season, all 15 beaches and the Grant McBride Baths will be patrolled from 9am to 5pm with the season finishing on April 25.
During the busy Christmas holiday period, from December 19-January 29, 2023, all locations, including Budgewoi Beach, will be patrolled for an extra hour until 6pm.
For more information and patrolled beach locations, search ‘Beaches’ at www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.
Source:
Media release, Sep 20
Central Coast Council