Improving safety at Coast beaches

Central Coast Council is planning a range of safety improvements for the region’s beaches ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Unit Manager Leisure Beach Safety and Community Services Phil Cantillon said new investments would include $20,000 in grant funding to Central Coast Surf Life Saving to install inflatable rescue tubes across high-risk and remote locations.

“As part of the NSW Government Smart Beaches program, cameras will be installed at Umina Beach, North Shelly and Soldiers Beach to monitor unpatrolled areas and beach profiles,” he said.

“Investment by the NSW Government will see the installation of three new Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs) at Spoon Bay, Frazer Park and Forresters Beach.

“This is in addition to the ERBs installed at Budgewoi Beach, The Entrance Channel and Pearl Beach in 2023.”

Cantillon said the ERBs were a critical addition to beach safety infrastructure and could make all the difference in an emergency, as they connected callers to Surf Life Saving NSW’s State Operations Centre which enabled a faster response to potential rescues, particularly in unpatrolled areas.

“Over the winter period, Council will also be updating its beach safety fleet with seven new Can-Am buggies replacing current assets at various locations,” he said.

“Additionally, essential lifesaving equipment will be serviced and repaired, including radio networks, two-way radios, oxygen equipment and lifeguard towers.”

 Council Administrator Rik Hart applauded the tremendous effort of Council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving Central Coast lifesavers.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to our dedicated lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers for their tireless efforts this past season,” he said.

“Their commitment to beach safety has kept millions of visitors safe while enjoying our beautiful coastline.

“While the official patrol season has ended, I want to remind everyone to prioritise safety when enjoying the Central Coast’s waterways throughout the year.”

Beachgoers are advised to: always take some sort of flotation device; never swim alone; wear appropriate safety equipment when rock fishing, let others know where you are going and carry a phone; avoid swimming for at least one day after heavy rain; and check your vessel, the weather and safety equipment when boating.

The 2023/24 Central Coast beach patrol season officially concluded on Sunday, April 28, with more than 3.7 million visits recorded across the Coast’s 15 patrolled beaches during the season.

Council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving Central Coast lifesavers completed 1,539 rescues and treated more than 3,200 first-aid incidents.

Recruitment for the 2024/25 season will begin online in early August.

Council is seeking passionate individuals interested in the ocean, surfing and surf lifesaving, and committed to fitness and community service.

Casual and seasonal lifeguard roles will be advertised on Council’s website prior to the surf lifesaving season commencing on Saturday, September 28.

For more information and safety tips, search ‘beach safety’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au