Severe and extreme heatwave warnings are currently in place for most of NSW, with volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards out in full force to meet the expected surge in coastal visitors looking to beat the heat.
In a statement SLSNSW say, ‘The severe heatwave temperatures stretch right up to the northern border, where towns like Forster, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay will all reach the early 30s’.
‘Since 1 July 2025, there has been 19 coastal and ocean drownings in NSW, up from 13 by this time last year.
All of these incidents have occurred at unpatrolled locations, outside of patrol times, or away from the red and yellow flags. This demonstrates the importance of swimming at a patrolled beach.
‘We strongly encourage people venturing to our coastline, be it today or into the weekend, to visit a beach where they see the red and yellow flags flying and our lifesavers and lifeguards are on duty,’ SLSNSW CEO, Steve Pearce said.
‘Over a thousand volunteer lifesavers will be out in full force across the weekend, supported by our fleet of Inflatable Rescue Boats, jet skis and UAVs. We are very lucky to have such a dedicated patrolling force of more than 21,500 volunteers to call upon over the summer period.
‘This weekend, in many ways, marks the start of the holiday season with a lot of people wrapping up for the year. With this comes increased risk as there are more and more people heading to the coastline to recreate.
‘Ensuring you visit a patrolled location and swim between the red and yellow flags means our lifesavers have the best chance to rescue you if you come into difficulty in the water.’
BEACH SAFETY TIPS
- Always swim between the red and yellow patrol flags, for your nearest patrolled beach check the BeachSafe app or website
- Read the safety signs for information about the beach and ask a lifesaver or lifeguard for safety information
- Always swim with someone else so you can look out for each other, and always supervise children around the water
- Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- If you need help in the water, stay calm and attract attention by raising one arm
- In an emergency, dial Triple Zero
- For information about patrol times, weather, and beach locations visit the Beachsafe Website or Download the App.
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