Beachgoers urged to stay safe this Summer

Following the installation of 19 Emergency Response Beacons (ERB) at unpatrolled beaches including Bay Bateau Bay Beach, Forresters Beach and Frazer Park last year, the State Government is funding the installation of another 15 in 2025.

ERBs directly connect callers to Surf Life Saving NSW’s State Operations Centre, enabling the rapid deployment of lifesaving and emergency services to a potential rescue site.

With most fatalities occurring on unpatrolled beaches, this can reduce response times when every second counts.

The new beacons are fitted with flotation devices and enhanced technology like high-definition video live-streaming to provide another set of eyes on the beach.

Currently, there are 53 ERBs strategically located at beaches frequented by both locals and tourists, ensuring quick access to emergency assistance.

The beacons are part of the NSW Government’s $72M additional investment in Surf Life Saving NSW.

Alongside the ERBs, the NSW Government is delivering 67 jet skis over four years, with 14 delivered to beaches along the state’s coastline for the Summer.

The NSW Government continues to work in partnership with Surf Life Saving NSW, local councils and community organisations to deliver initiatives that keep residents and visitors safe.

Volunteer lifesavers across NSW performed more than 300,000 preventative actions to keep beachgoers safe as more than four million people flocked to the surf since 1 December.

The warm weather has encouraged big beach crowds resulting in more than 1,000 rescues, serious incidents requiring lifesaving action, and first aid treatment for more than 6,000 people in the first month of Summer.

As the holidays continue, the NSW Government is urging those taking advantage of our beautiful coastline to play it safe at the beach with the launch of a new water safety hub.

The new online water safety hub complements the efforts of lifesavers by bringing together essential water safety information, featuring tips and guidance from key organisations across NSW to help communities stay informed and safe around the state’s stunning waterways.

Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said the new beacons, along with education programs and simple to use tools such as the water safety hub, would provide a crucial safety net for all NSW beachgoers.

“We are building on the 53 Emergency Response Beacons installed across our beaches, backed by a record $72M investment in Surf Life Saving NSW,” he said.

“These Emergency Response Beacons can establish an instant link to the Surf Life Saving NSW State Operations Centre, ensuring swift action in emergencies, especially at unpatrolled beaches.

“With the holiday season continuing, I urge everyone to stay vigilant, follow the guidance of our lifesavers and enjoy our stunning coastline safely.”

Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce said the beaches had been extremely busy this holiday period and he was expecting it to remain busy for the remainder of the Summer.

“The crowds do put pressure on our volunteers,” he said.

“Swimming between the red and yellow flags isn’t just a smart choice – it’s a lifesaver.

“No drownings have occurred at patrolled locations during patrol hours, so staying where lifesavers and lifeguards can see you is the best way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

“We’re urging beachgoers to take heed of those basic safety messages by not swimming at unpatrolled locations – look for the red and yellow flags because if our lifesavers can’t see you, they can’t save you, and understand your limits when entering the ocean.”