As NSW endures heatwaves, drought and bushfires, lifeguards from the Australian Lifeguard Service (ALS) are preparing for what's forecast to be a busy Christmas holiday period and urging holidaymakers to swim at patrolled beaches.
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The post-Christmas pilgrimage to the Mid-North Coast and North Coast Regions begins soon but lifeguards from the ALS will start patrols at several locations this weekend to keep beachgoers safe.
In the Kempsey region, Grassy Head patrols start on December 21. South West Rocks (Horseshoe Bay), South West Rocks, Hat Head, and Crescent Head will all have lifeguards patrolling on these very popular beaches from December 23.
Volunteer surf lifesavers will also be on patrol on weekends and public holidays ensuring that beaches will have even greater levels of surveillance and that there will be fast response times in the event of an emergency.
Lifeguards and volunteer surf lifesavers are on high alert after a 22 percent spike in coastal drowning deaths in NSW over the 2018/19 season. Statistics in the 2019 Surf Life Saving NSW Coastal Safety Report show that 44 people tragically lost their lives along the NSW Coast.
Northern NSW Lifeguard Coordinator, Scott McCartney, said ALS lifeguards were looking forward to keeping beachgoers safe on Mid-North and North Coast beaches over summer and had some important safety messages for holidaymakers.
"Always consult the lifeguards and signage if the flags aren't up. Enjoy the beach but look after each other. Lifeguards can get busy so look after yourselves. In particular, don't let kids swim alone," he said.
"Our key safety message for everyone this summer is to swim at a patrolled location between the red and yellow flags. Because if we can't see you, we can't save you. Walk the extra five minutes to where we're patrolling.
"We know that only one in four people can spot a rip. Even if you think you know a beach, don't be complacent about where you swim. Beaches change and rips can form quickly."
Beaches in the Kempsey Shire will be patrolled during these times throughout the summer holiday season:
Grassy Head
December 21 to January 27
7 days
9am - 5pm
Horseshoe Bay
December 23 to January 27
7 days
9am - 5pm
South West Rocks Main
December 23 to January 27
5 days
9am - 5pm
Hat Head
December 23 to January 27
5 days
9am - 5pm
Kempsey / Crescent Head
December 23 to January 27
5 days
9am - 5pm
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