SURF lifesaving patrols are back on our beaches for the summer season, with both volunteers and MidCoast Council’s paid lifesavers keeping swimmers safe these school holidays.

Ahead of a summer where high coastal visitation is expected following large-scale lockdowns, state border closures and international travel restrictions, the Australian Lifeguard Service is well prepared to provide a safe environment for beachgoers.

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Across NSW, lifeguards are prepared and safety measures in place to protect lifeguards and beachgoers alike, including a large-scale rollout of personal protective equipment in the form of face masks, gloves, eye protection and sanitiser.

Modified training, first aid and resuscitation procedures are also in place.

While lifeguards will not be tasked with enforcing social distancing, the Australian Lifeguard Service and Surf Life Saving NSW will be assisting authorities and coastal councils to provide real-time information on overall beach attendance and help coordinate beach closures if required.

MidCoast Council paid lifeguards will be on patrol during weekdays from 9am – 5pm during the school holidays at Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest.

Volunteer patrols are organised by the individual surf lifesaving clubs and patrol on weekends and the public holiday on Monday 4 October.

Last season, over 195,000 people were recorded visiting MidCoast Council beaches during lifeguard patrols, where lifeguards performed 25 rescues and 134 first aids.

Volunteer surf lifesaving patrols will continue each Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday right through to Anzac Day 2022.

Find out where your closest patrolled beach is by visiting https://beachsafe.org.au/ or for a full list of lifeguard-patrolled beaches visit https://lifeguards.com.au/NSW/where-we-operate/.