Randwick Lifeguards Expand Patrols for a Safer Summer at Local Beaches
Beachgoers can enjoy a safer swimming season as Randwick City Council Lifeguards kickstart their summer patrols at more Sydney beaches. Starting Saturday, 30 November, lifeguards will be on duty at Little Bay Beach and Malabar Beach during daylight hours until the end of summer.
These new patrols include jet ski water safety teams based at Malabar, covering nearby popular swimming spots like Yarra Bay Beach and Frenchmans Bay Beach.
For the 2023-2024 summer season, patrols have resumed at Malabar Beach for the first time since 2004 and commenced at Little Bay Beach for the first time ever. These efforts supplement the year-round lifeguard presence at Coogee, Clovelly, and Maroubra beaches.
Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker praised the lifeguards’ return, highlighting last summer’s success at Little Bay and Malabar.
“By popular demand, our summer lifeguards are back after last season demonstrated a growing need for water safety support. Over 350,000 visits to these two beaches last summer resulted in lifeguards performing rescues, providing first aid, and taking preventative actions to ensure safety,” said Mayor Parker.
With an estimated seven million visits to Randwick’s beaches between July 2023 and June 2024, lifeguards have remained vigilant. Over the past financial year, they conducted 776 rescues, treated 8,868 first aid cases, and responded to 163 major incidents, including resuscitations and near-drownings.
Enhanced water safety measures have also been introduced in recent years, including emergency response beacons, rescue equipment, CCTV, and improved signage.
Veteran lifeguard Peter Halcro emphasized the importance of safety: “Randwick’s beaches are incredible, but swimming always carries risks. Follow lifeguards’ advice and stay safe this summer.”
Council reminds beachgoers to always:
- Swim between the red and yellow flags.
- Avoid swimming if the beach is unpatrolled or closed.
- Seek help by raising an arm if caught in a rip.
- Wear a lifejacket when rock fishing.
With summer officially kicking off this Sunday, 1 December, Randwick’s lifeguards are ready to make your beach experience safe and enjoyable.
