Central Coast Council has joined Surf Life Saving NSW in urging residents and visitors to swim only between the flags on patrolled beaches over the coming long weekend.
In the 2022/23 summer season, nationally, the drowning risk is far greater on public holidays than on normal weekends, and 100 per cent of deaths occurred at unpatrolled locations.
Council Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said the Central Coast had an array of beautiful beaches to visit that were accessible and patrolled this holiday period.
“There are 16 Central Coast beach locations and Grant McBride Baths at The Entrance that are patrolled every day between 9am and 6pm by Council’s Beach Safety team or Surf Life Saving Clubs except for Umina Beach, Avoca Beach and Terrigal Beach, which are patrolled 8am-6pm,” Smith said.
“We hope that by sharing this information and tips on ways to avoid these tragic situations that everyone can have an enjoyable and safe time at the beach this long weekend.”
The top tips for safe swimming over the weekend are: take the time and drive five more minutes to a patrolled beach and swim in between the flags; never swim alone; observe conditions for at least five minutes before going into the water; always take some sort of flotation device; and if in doubt – don’t go out.
It is also important to: wear a lifejacket if boating, rock fishing or on watercraft; and avoid alcohol and drugs when on or around water.
To find your nearest patrolled beach location, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/Beaches
The weather can also be unpredictable; please avoid swimming and recreational water activities during and after heavy rain for at least 24 hours at ocean beaches.
For daily beach pollution forecasts for the Central Coast, go to https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/beachapp/CentralcoastBulletin.aspx