Macleay Valley welcomes back lifeguard patrols

Published on 29 August 2024

Say goodbye to those chilly winter mornings—beach season is officially back! With the arrival of warmer weather and longer days, it’s time to dust off your surfboard, grab your sunscreen, and head to the beautiful beaches of the Macleay Valley knowing dedicated surf patrols are back – helping keep you safe!

Starting Monday, 30 September, through to Sunday, 13 October, you’ll find our lifesavers watching over the iconic shores of Hat Head, Grassy Head, South West Rocks (Main Beach & Horseshoe Bay), and Crescent Head.

Volunteer patrols will be out on weekends with a date to be announced shortly, so you can feel safe diving into your spring beach adventures.

The work these lifesavers do is truly invaluable, and the 2023/24 stats prove just how essential they are to our community’s safety.

• 195,998 Beach Visitors: The influx of nearly 200,000 people to our beaches highlights the region's popularity and the need for robust lifesaving services.
• 18,011 Preventative Actions: Our lifeguards were proactive in preventing potential incidents, ensuring that safety measures were adhered to, and risks minimised.
• 32 Rescues Performed: Thanks to the swift actions of our lifeguards, 32 lives were saved. These rescues underscore the critical role that lifesaving services play in our community.
• 201 First Aid Treatments: Lifeguards provided immediate medical attention to 201 individuals, addressing minor injuries and ensuring prompt care.
• 18,605 Cases of Providing Information and Advice: Lifeguards offered valuable information and advice to beachgoers, helping them make informed decisions and stay safe.

By supporting these essential services, we’re making sure that our beaches remain a safe and welcoming haven for all. Kempsey Shire Council is dedicated to upholding this high standard of safety and service because we know that every dollar spent on these services directly contributes to the well-being and peace of mind of our community.