Playspaces and skate parks
When heading outdoors to exercise, remember to keep your distance from others.
Central Coast public playspaces, outdoor fitness equipment and skate parks are open in line with the latest direction from the NSW Government. To help minimise the spread of COVID-19, please wash your hands before and after using any equipment and adhere to the rules and safety measures implemented by the NSW government for the Central Coast area.
Public reserves, shared pathways, boat ramps, public wharves and jetties, sportsfields and other outdoor public spaces remain open. Dogs should not be walked on sportsfields, unless sign posted otherwise, but can be walked in other outdoor settings.
For the latest COVID-19 information, advice and restriction details, please refer to NSW Health.
Restriction measures may impact our children and families but they are deemed necessary to protect our community’s health during this pandemic. NSW Police have the power to enforce restrictions.
Beaches
The Central Coast beach patrol season will kick off from Saturday 18 September, as NSW Councils and Surf Life Saving Clubs commence beach patrols for the school holidays.
Surf Life Saving Central Coast will commence patrols on 15 Central Coast beaches over the weekends and public holidays, while Council lifeguards will patrol on weekdays. Operational hours are 9.00am to 5.00pm with flags up unless the beach is closed through dangerous surf conditions.
Check our website for the latest open/closed status of Council patrolled beaches throughout the week. For further information about weekend beach conditions, visit beachsafe.org.au
Keeping our community safe
The community can rest assured that we have COVID-safe summer plans in place to manage beach crowds and processes are in place for potential beach closures. This is consistent across NSW Coastal Councils.
We have been working closely with NSW Health, Central Coast Health, the Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON) as well as other Councils to ensure a consistent and compliant approach to this year’s patrol season across the State in line with the latest Public Health Orders. This collaborative work will continue throughout the season to address any changes that may arise as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve.
We will continue to proactively monitor announcements and Public Health Orders as they happen, working with lead agencies and other Councils to help ensure the safety of our community.
The community are advised to follow Public Health Orders relating to being outdoors and social distancing, with Council encouraging beachgoers to exercise at quieter beaches or look to alternative open spaces areas, parks and reserves for exercise during peak periods. However, it is important that if people are swimming as part of their exercise they do so between the flags at one of our 15 patrol sites to maintain beach safety – even in the water COVID-19 restrictions such as social distancing apply.
We are working with local police to monitor behaviour and penalties for not following restrictions are enforceable by police – this includes staying at home, social distancing and non-essential travel. We all need to obey the NSW Health and Government rules, and play our part to slow the spread of COVID-19.
What if the beach is crowded?
Our beaches are among our most popular spots but all beachgoers must follow the latest Public Health Orders. If the beach looks crowded, consider coming back at another time or relaxing in a non-beach setting.
Here’s a few ideas to help you enjoy other natural settings:
- go for a walk or run in your local park
- ride a bike along a cycleway
- take your dog for a walk around your neighbourhood
- kick a ball at a sportsground
- head bush to hike on a nature trail or to visit a scenic spot.
For more information, click here.
Community sport
Our parks, reserves and facilities are often used as the venue for community sport competitions.
It is important to note that sports clubs and associations are required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place. To help minimise the spread of COVID-19, some restrictions may also apply to community sport competitions.
For information about community sports and COVID-19 Safety Plans, click here.