Bega Valley Shire Council is pleased to announce the return of the Australian Lifeguard Service to eight locations across the Shire, ensuring our beaches remain safe for residents and visitors alike.
The 2024-2025 Summer Lifeguard Program will commence on Monday 23 December 2024 at Horseshoe Bay and Camel Rock in Bermagui, Tathra Beach, Short Point, Bar Beach and Main Beach in Merimbula, Pambula Beach and Aslings Beach in Eden, and it will run through to Monday 3 February 2025.
Bega Valley Shire Council's Aquatic & Leisure Facilities Coordinator, Nicholas Hoynes highlighted the importance of this service during the busy summer season.
"Each summer, our beaches become a hub of activity, drawing both locals and tourists," Mr Hoynes said.
"Having professional lifeguards and dedicated volunteers patrolling our beaches means everyone can enjoy the water safely while minimising risks."
Pambula Beach, Tathra and Bermagui Beaches have established Surf Life Saving clubs. Their volunteers started weekend and public holiday patrols for the summer season over the October school holidays.
Mr Hoynes said the volunteer community service is supplemented by professional contract lifeguards, who are funded by Council over the summer school holiday period.
"The combination of professional and volunteer services ensures patrolled beaches operate seven days a week during summer holidays.
"We would also like to acknowledge the contribution of the Tathra Chamber of Commerce and wider Tathra Community, who fundraise to extend the provision of weekday beach lifeguard services at Tathra Beach throughout February.
"This provides a patrolled beach location for residents and visitors to the Sapphire Coast to 'swim between the flags' weekdays through February 2025."
To make the most of your time at the beach this summer, remember to swim between the flags at patrolled beaches, stay hydrated and be sun safe.
Please be aware that dogs are not permitted within 100 metres of the designated swimming areas marked by flags on our beaches. Bringing pet dogs into these areas can distract and disrupt swimmers and obstruct lifeguards' ability to monitor safety.
For more information on beach safety, visit the Surf Life Saving NSW website or download their Beachsafe app.
