Volunteer lifesavers and council lifeguards will begin their patrol season on Saturday 28 September, marking the start of the spring school holidays. 

With Spring bringing warmer weather, patrolled beaches are the best place for a swim with the added safety of the protective eye of a lifeguard.

Surf Beach will be patrolled all week, from 10 am until 5.30 pm on weekdays and an earlier finish to the day with patrol wrapping up at 4 pm on weekends. 

Jones and Werri Beach will be patrolled on weekends from 10 am to 4 pm.

Supervising Beach Lifeguard Craig Bowley warned beach-goers to remain vigilant of our waters and keep between the flags.

“We have some of the most beautiful beaches on the South Coast but we also have some of the most dangerous,” Bowley said.

Kiama Council and Surf Lifesaving NSW have installed an Emergency Relay Beacon (ERB) at South Bombo Beach, and at other drowning black spots at Kendalls Beach and Blowhole Point. 

In an emergency, the beacon can be activated by someone needing assistance in the water and connects them to the Surf Lifesaving NSW Operations Centre. A text message is also sent to alert the nearest lifesaver or lifeguards. 

Surf Life Saving Australia released concerning statistics in their 2024 National Coastal Safety Report. 258 coastal deaths were reported across the country over the past 12 months, 58 percent due to drowning. 

Surf Life Saving Australia CEO, Adam Weir, wants visitors and residents to continue to enjoy the beach as the coast heats up, but not to forget the risks involved.

“We want to ensure everyone can enjoy our coastline safely and return home to loved ones.” 

Surf Life Saving Australia completed over 8,800 rescues over the past 12 months, each one a near-miss and a life saved. 

“Our message remains simple: swim at patrolled locations, know your limits and be aware of your actions and decisions around the water,” Weir said.

Summer lifeguards will increase beach patrols when they begin work on 23 December.