Beach season has officially ended on the Central Coast, with flags taken down on Sunday, April 28.
From Monday, April 29, the region’s beaches will be unpatrolled by Council lifeguards or Surf Life Saving Central Coast lifesavers until Saturday September 28, when the 2024-25 beach season begins.
A Central Coast Council spokesperson said while beach season was over, many locals and visitors were still enjoying the water and being aware of water safety was still very important.
“Everyone is being urged to keep safety at the top of their mind when in and around the Coasts waterways,” the spokesperson said.
Top five safety tips to keep in mind: always take some sort of flotation device; never swim alone; if you’re going 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.
Until the next patrol season, Council encourages the community to check out safe swimming options available throughout the winter period at The Grant McBride Baths, Toukley Aquatic Centre, Gosford Pool and the Peninsula Leisure Centre.
For more information on beach and water safety search ‘beach safety’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au