It is all systems go along Kiama’s coast with lifeguards and volunteer surf lifesavers reporting for duty across our seven beaches and lifesaving equipment installed at what are regarded as ‘drowning blackspots’.

With last swim season seeing over 300,000 people visiting Kiama’s beaches, Emergency Relay Beacons (ERBs) have been installed at parts of the coast that have seen tragedies - South Bombo Beach, Kendalls Beach and Blowhole Point.

When activated, the beacons will connect to the Surf Lifesaving NSW Operations Centre and a text message will alert the nearest lifesaver or lifeguard.

Supervising Beach Lifeguard Craig Bowley says while our region has many beautiful swim spots, it also has many dangerous ones.

“A perennial problem is people using South Bombo Beach, which is easy to access, but one of our most unsafe stretches of coast.

“Another is our iconic Blowhole Point, which had witnessed many rescues and tragedies in recent years,” Mr Bowley says.

The beacons have been installed by Kiama Council and Surf Lifesaving NSW

On the patrolled beaches, 30 plus lifeguards and surf lifesavers will be keeping a watchful eye on swimmers seven days a week until 29 January.

Kiama’s patrolled beaches are:

· Jones Beach

· Bombo (North) Beach

· Surf Beach

· Kendalls Beach

· Easts Beach

· Werri Beach

· Seven Mile Beach  

Mr Bowley urges everyone to take advantage of the beach patrols when taking a dip this summer.

“Our lifeguards and lifesavers put in more than 400 patrol days each season so we can enjoy our beautiful beaches in safety.

“All I ask is for everyone to show them respect by swimming where they can keep an eye on you, no matter your swimming skills and experience,” Mr Bowley says.