With summer nearly upon us, residents and visitors are reminded of the importance of beach safety and swimming between the flags across the Central Coast.

With the beach patrol season kicking off tomorrow, Saturday 29 September, Central Coast Council is encouraging beachgoers to be safe and take care, by following these simple safety tips:

• Only swim at patrolled beaches
• Only swim between the red and yellow flags
• Remember - if the lifeguards can’t see you, they can’t save you
• If you do get into difficulty, remain calm, float and raise your arm to signal for help.
• Never swim if you’re feeling unwell or have been drinking alcohol
• Red and yellow flags indicate supervised and patrolled areas
• Black and white flags indicate surf craft exclusion zones

Mayor Jane Smith said it was important for beach goers to swim between the red and yellow flags and to understand the two main types of flags used on our patrolled beaches.

“With an anticipated 3 million visitors using these patrolled beach locations throughout the beach season it’s necessary that people are advised about the importance of beach safety,” Mayor Smith said.

“The red and yellow flags indicate areas patrolled by Council Beach Safety staff and Surf Life Saving members that are under observation for swimming.

“To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience, surfers and board riders are asked to remain outside of the black and white flags that are located next to the red and yellow flags.

Council lifeguards patrol 15 beach locations from Monday to Friday, and the Grant McBride Baths at The Entrance, while Surf Life Saving members patrol 15 beach locations on the weekends and public holidays.

In non-peak holiday times (29 September – 2 December and 2 February to 29 April) patrol hours across all beach locations are 9am-5pm.

During the summer peak holiday period, from 3 December to 1 February, all locations will operate from 9am-6pm, with the exception of Umina, Avoca and Terrigal which will operate from 8am - 6pm. An additional patrol is also undertaken during the Christmas holiday period at Budgewoi Beach from 9am-6pm.

The Grant McBride Baths at The Entrance will also be supervised from 9am-5pm from 29 September to 29 April and from 7am-12pm from 30 April to 27 September 2019.

“As we head into the busy patrol season, I’d like to remind beach goers about the vital work Council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving members do to keep us safe,” Mayor Smith said.

“In addition to providing vital search and rescue services, and emergency medical care when required, they also play an important role in educating the public in beach and water safety so if you are ever unsure of the conditions, make sure to ask a lifeguard in attendance.

“I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the fantastic work they do each and every day.”