Beach season officially over

The 2024/25 Central Coast beach patrol season officially concluded on Sunday, April 27, following a busy seven months.

The season saw a significant rise in beach visitation and a strong safety response from Central Coast Council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC) volunteers.

Throughout the season, Council lifeguards provided weekday patrols at 15 beaches and The Grant McBride Baths, while SLSCC volunteers covered weekends and public holidays.

Patrolled beaches recorded more than 2.3 million mid-week visits – a 24% increase on the previous year – along with 198,400 visits to the baths.

Council Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said the team responded to the rise in visitation while maintaining a strong focus on safety.

“Council lifeguards carried out more than 56,000 preventative actions, treated over 15,000 first aid incidents and completed nearly 1,000 rescues,” Smith said.

“Tragically, five lives were lost across our beaches and waterways this season.

“With drowning incidents rising nationally, these events are a powerful reminder that water safety is a shared responsibility.

“Swimming between the flags, actively supervising children and wearing a life jacket when rock fishing, boating or jet skiing are simple steps that can save lives.”

Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna said the commitment of both professional lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers played a vital role in keeping the community safe.

“I am at the beach most days for my morning swim and see the many dedicated men and women on patrol, upholding the highest standards of care and safety,” he said.

“Their efforts make a real difference, and I want to thank every one of them for helping provide a safe experience for the millions of people who visited our coastline this beach patrol season.

“As we head into the cooler months, I encourage everyone to continue staying safe and cautious around the water.”

Although the patrol season has ended, water safety remains important year-round.

The Grant McBride Baths at The Entrance stay open throughout winter and are patrolled daily by Council lifeguards from 8am to 1pm, seven days a week.

Residents are reminded to: never swim alone; avoid swimming for at least 24 hours after heavy rainfall to reduce exposure to stormwater pollution; and when rock fishing, boating or jet skiing, wear a life jacket, check the conditions, tell someone your plans and carry a phone.

Recruitment for the 2025/26 lifeguard season opens in early August, with patrols resuming from Saturday, September 27, for SLSCC and Monday, September 29, for Council lifeguards.

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