More than 3.7 million people flocked to Central Coast beaches over the summer season, with Council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving volunteers performing more than 1,700 rescues.
The beach patrol season came to an official close on Tuesday, April 25, with the 2023/24 season to re-commence on Saturday, September 23.
More than 3,200 first aid incidents were treated at the region’s 15 patrolled beaches.
Central Coast Council Unit Manager, Leisure Beach Safety and Community Services, Phil Cantillon, said Council was already preparing for the 2023/24 season.
“While the patrol season for 2022/23 has concluded we are preparing for the upcoming season by servicing, maintaining and replacing beach safety equipment and updating vital rescue equipment used to conduct beach operations,” he said.
“Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) with support from the NSW Government has also been working collaboratively with us to install Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs) at three locations across the Coast – Budgewoi Beach, The Entrance Channel and Pearl Beach – to extend the reach of lifesaving operations all year round.
“The ERBs connect the community to SLSNSW State Operations Centre where a State Duty Officer is on hand to gather important information, issue instructions and obtain appropriate services in an event of an emergency.
“Until the next patrol season, we encourage the community to check out safe swimming options available throughout the winter period at The Grant McBride Baths at The Entrance, Toukley Aquatic Centre, Gosford Pool and Peninsula Leisure Centre.”
Administrator Rik Hart said both Council lifeguards and volunteers across the 15 surf life saving clubs on the Coast worked tirelessly to ensure everyone had a safe summer season.
“The numbers of rescues and first aid treatments recorded this year are high and reflect the tremendous effort Council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving Central Coast lifesavers put in every day to keep our beautiful beaches safe,” he said.
“Just as we continue to enhance safety in preparation for the 2023/24 season it is important to remember that while the summer season is over, many are still visiting our beaches to enjoy the water.
“I urge everyone to keep safety top of their mind when in and around our waterways.”
Safety tips include: always take some sort of flotation device; never swim alone; when rock fishing, wear appropriate safety equipment, let others know where you are going and carry a phone; avoid swimming for at least one day after heavy rain to decrease exposure to stormwater pollution; and when out on the water, be sure to check your vessel, check the weather, wear appropriate safety equipment, prepare children, let others know where you’re going and know what to do in an emergency.
For more information and patrolled beach locations, visit www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/beaches
Source:
Central Coast Council