A safe summer for the shire’s beaches

Published on 17 December 2021

Professional lifeguards will on duty at popular beaches throughout Kempsey Shire these summer holidays.

Surf Life Saving NSW lifeguards will be watching closely to make sure beachgoers enjoy the pristine beaches of the Macleay Valley Coast safely and sensibly this summer.

Grassy Head, Horseshoe Bay South West Rocks, Main Beach at South West Rocks, Hat Head and Crescent Head beaches will be patrolled by lifeguards these summer school holidays. Grassy Head and Horseshoe Bay will be patrolled by lifeguards seven days a week, while the other beaches will be patrolled Monday to Friday.

Local surf life saving clubs provide additional volunteer services on weekends and public holidays at South West Rocks Main Beach, Hat Head and Crescent Head beaches.

Kempsey Shire Council Manager Infrastructure Delivery, Dylan Reeves, said as the shire prepares for a busy season it’s important that people are aware of how quickly things can go wrong in the ocean.

“The safest option for people is to swim at patrolled beaches and between the red and yellow flags, and of course, if you get in trouble, raise your hand and call for help,” said Mr Reeves.

“We acknowledge that our shire features some beautiful unpatrolled beaches and it is so important to know the risks before setting foot into the water. The ocean is unpredictable and even the strongest of swimmers can find themselves in tricky situations.”

To help people become aware of these risks, Surf Life Saving NSW has rolled out its new Beach and Coastal Safety Resource Hub.

The hub is an online portal that has all you need to know to keep you and your loved ones safe.

The Beach and Coastal Safety Resource Hub can be accessed by visiting beachsafetyhub.org.au.

For more information and to view the lifeguard patrol calendar visit Surf life saving patrols.