SUMMERTIME is swimming time and in Australia that means it is time for the volunteer Surf Life Savers to patrol our beaches.

The red and yellow is back on NSW beaches with more than 20,000 surf life saving volunteers ready to welcome beachgoers as the official patrol season begins.

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Premier Dominic Perrottet joined Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke, Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) President George Shales and volunteer lifesavers at Bondi Beach last week to raise the red and yellow flags for the first time this season.

“The raising of the flags is a significant occasion for the people of NSW because it means we can get back out after a cold winter and safely enjoy all the beautiful coastline our great State has to offer,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Please listen to the advice of our Surf Life Saving experts, don’t take unnecessary risks and always swim between the red and yellow flags to make sure you and your family enjoy the water safely.”

Ms Cooke said $1 million worth of SLSNSW jet skis and support operations vehicles will be rolled out across the State to better support the work of volunteers.

“The addition of eleven jet skis and eleven fully kitted out support vehicles will further enhance the ability of our lifesavers to respond to emergencies in the water and help people when they get into trouble,” Ms Cooke said.

“Our lifesavers from the 129 clubs up and down the NSW coastline are looking forward to being on patrol every weekend and public holiday between now and Anzac Day in April.”

Mr Shales said despite a third consecutive La Nina being declared, large crowds are expected at beaches throughout spring and summer.

“We had a very wet year last season but beachgoers need to remain vigilant after a record 55 lives were lost in the 12 months to June 2022,” Mr Shales said.

“We’re ready to help if you get into trouble but we need to work together to keep our beaches and coastal waterways safe for all to enjoy.”

Patrolled beach locations, patrol times and live weather updates are available on the BeachSafe app or the beachsafe.org.au website.

There are patrolled beaches from Stockon through Salt Ash, Birubi Point, One Mile Beach, Fingal Bay and at Bennetts Beach in Hawks Nest.

By Marian SAMPSON