With warmer days arriving and summer just around the corner, Northern Beaches Council is welcoming back the beach season, with lifeguard patrols returning across the coastline from this weekend, including the introduction of a new patrol at Shelly Beach over the busy Christmas/New Year period.

Manly and Dee Why Beaches continue to be patrolled year-round, while patrols have already resumed at Freshwater Beach and seasonal patrols at the remaining beaches will begin on Saturday 26 September.

Our beaches attract more than 14 million visits each year and remain at the heart of our outdoor lifestyle.

Council lifeguards play a vital role in keeping beachgoers safe, carrying out 960 rescues, providing first aid to 4,017 people and completing more than 530,000 preventative actions last season alone.

This summer, Council lifeguards will once again work closely with the NSW Government's Shark Management Program, with drone surveillance providing aerial monitoring to help identify potential hazards and support beach safety.

Shelly Beach will be patrolled for the first time during the busiest period of the year from 21 December 2026 to 31 January 2027 thanks to funding through the special variation to rates.

Whether you're enjoying an early morning swim, a family day at the beach or simply soaking up the spring sunshine, everyone can help make the season a safe and enjoyable one by swimming between the red and yellow flags, following lifeguard advice and staying aware of changing conditions.

For more information about beach safety and patrol times, visit the Northern Beaches Council website.

For more information about the NSW Shark Management Program please visit SharkSmart.