It’s time to dig out your togs and thongs as the sun is shining and the red and yellow flags have been put up at Dee Why and Freshie Beach. 

While Manly’s flags fly all year round, the remaining beaches will be patrolled from Saturday 28 September. 

Council’s professional lifeguards share the vital responsibility of keeping you safe at our beaches, from Palm Beach to Manly, with volunteers from 21 Surf Life Saving Clubs.

Every day from 9am – 5pm, and sometimes longer in the summer peak, a dedicated team of Council lifeguards and volunteer surf lifesavers work together to ensure the safety and comfort of all beachgoers, whether they are on the sand or in the water. 

Last year over 10.3 million people visited our beaches with 924 rescues and 5,748 first aid cases requiring attention.

There were also over 290,000 preventative actions undertaken by the lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers primarily involving directing swimmers to swim between the flags, away from rips, and directing board riders to steer clear of the flags.

Along with keeping visitors safe and comfortable, all lifeguards and lifesavers seek to increase the knowledge, skills and awareness of beach users.

We remind beachgoers to be beach safe by following our top tips for safe dips:

• Swim at a patrolled beach and between the flags.
• Read the safety signs for information about the beach and if you are unsure ask a lifesaver or lifeguard.
• Always swim with someone else so you can look out for each other.
• If you need help in the water, stay calm and attract attention by raising one arm.