IT’s official the swimming season is here and the flags are back up for the 2021/2022 season for Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club.

The commitment of volunteers through the NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs is huge – they literally save lives simply by being there.

Every person that makes the decision to swim between the flags is utilising the combined knowledge of locals that understand the beach conditions.

Your local volunteers know their beach, the rips and can anticipate the conditions as they change with the tide and weather.

The team at Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club have expressed their gratitude for the efforts of their members in the lead up to the season.

“Thanks to all of our Volunteer Patrolling Members.

“New rules and new regulations (are in place) to keep everyone safe.

“Thank you for all your help and understanding with getting this season up and running.

“Not only do we have the best beach but also the best members to match.”

Beachgoers should be aware of the dangers before entering the water on our Myall Coast beaches.

Surf LIfe Saving NSW tells us that, “Rips are the number one hazard on Australian beaches.

“The best way to avoid a rip is to swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags.”

If you do get caught in a rip there are a few things that you should do.

Firstly, relax and stay calm.

Raise your arm to attract the attention of surf life savers.

You may escape a rip by swimming parallel to the beach, towards breaking waves.

From Hawks Nest to Catherine Hill Bay, surf life saving patrols have kicked off, with almost 6500 volunteer lifesavers enlisted to help protect beachgoers this summer.

Rhonda Scruton, CEO of Hunter Surf Life Saving, said thanks to the ongoing support from Newcastle Permanent, the team is equipped and ready for the coming summer months.

“Spending time at the beach is a quintessential part of summer in Australia, and after a rough year of lockdowns and restrictions, we know Novocastrians are looking forward to the warmer weather and hitting their local beach.

“We’ve worked hard to ensure the necessary COVID-19 plans are in place, and that our volunteers have the equipment and training they need, for our beaches to stay open and safe this summer.

“In one of our most challenging years, this would not have been possible without the help of our long-term partner, Newcastle Permanent.

“This year, we’re celebrating 40 years of collaboration with Newcastle Permanent, an incredible milestone for two homegrown institutions.

“And we’re delighted this will continue, with Newcastle Permanent committing to continuing their Major Partner support for another three years,” said Ms Scruton.

 

By Marian SAMPSON