With an increase in drownings over the last 12 months there is an urgent reminder about water safety as we head into summer.

Council's Be Beach Safe campaign is a vital initiative focused on promoting safety and awareness among beachgoers.

The program emphasises the importance of adopting safe practices to minimise risks, ensuring that everyone can have a fun and enjoyable time at the beach.

According to the Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) National Coastal Safety Report 2024 of the 61 drownings in New South Wales between 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024, 9 were on the Northern Beaches from activities including swimming and surfing, boating and other coastal recreation activities.

Of the NSW coastal drownings 85% were males and the Report is a reminder that everyone should follow these simple, yet life-saving tips when visiting the beach:

• Swim at a patrolled beach and between the flags
• Read the safety signs for beach information, and if in doubt, 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

Northern Beaches has 24 ocean beaches of which Council’s professional lifeguards share the immense responsibility with volunteers from 21 Surf Life Saving Clubs to provide beachgoers with a safe place to swim and enjoy the beach.

Council also has 90 rescue tubes or flotation devices and 12 rescue boards available for use across the Beaches. In addition, 7 Emergency Response Beacons have been installed in hot spots which means anyone can call for assistance and be guided by SLS staff in an emergency situation while emergency services are dispatched. 

To find the status (open/closed) of one of our patrolled beaches visit our website.

Find out how to be beach safe this summer.

And don’t forget to slip, slop, slap to cover up from the sun’s harmful rays.