Summer has well and truly arrived and Central Coast Council has officially launched its annual campaign to help locals and tourists safely enjoy the peak holiday season.
This year the message is simple – be informed, be prepared, be safe.
Key focus areas include beach safety, pool safety, rock fishing safety, emergency preparedness, safe travels and safe celebrations.
It is anticipated that the Coast will experience a surge in visitation numbers as the season of celebration, relaxation and enjoying the great outdoors with family and friends kicks off.
Summer is an enjoyable time to kick back and relax, but Council says it is also the time to remember key safety messages to help ensure that you, your loved ones, and the wider community remain safe while enjoying what the region has to offer.
Director of Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said Coast Summer Safety was all about helping the community understand some key risks and providing friendly reminders of what to keep top of mind when out and about.
“Council’s Coast Summer Safety campaign is primarily delivered via a targeted digital campaign in December, January and February and highlights messaging that’s relevant to the season ahead,” she said.
“A hot dry summer has been predicted, and a key part of the Coast Summer Safety campaign is to encourage our community to plan and prepare for emergencies such as bushfires, heatwaves and storms.
“Whether you’re a short-term visitor or a resident now is the time to understand your risk, create an up-to-date plan, prepare your property and know where to go to stay informed and look out for each other.
Smith also highlighted how the multi-dimensional campaign focuses on beach and water safety.
“With the heat, we are also expecting an increase in visitation to our many hidden water gems, but wherever there is water there is danger,” she said.
“This campaign emphasises what we can do to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe around water.
“With the rising cost of living, we are also preparing (for the fact) that many people will be ditching the overseas holidays and opting for a coastal getaway instead.
“Travelling to visit family and friends is always popular around Christmas and New Year and this campaign reminds us what we can all do to be safer on and around the roads, especially at a time with heavier than usual traffic conditions.”
Council Administrator Rik Hart said that while the Central Coast was a stunning region where many lived, worked and played, it was important that safety was at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
“To make summer truly enjoyable, let’s prioritise the safety of ourselves and those around us,” he said.
“By practising caution and patience on the roads, being mindful around water and being prepared for any emergency situation so we can all have a fun and safe summer season.”
Explore Coast Summer Safety messages by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/CoastSummerSafety