Northern Beaches Council and Surf Life Saving NSW have lowered the red and yellow flags at the 21 beaches from North Palm Beach through to Manly today and are maintaining a surveillance capability only in case of emergencies until Monday.

After consultation between the Council and the SLS Sydney Northern Beaches Branch, volunteer patrols over the weekend have also been suspended and surf clubs on the northern beaches have been closed to members, except for emergency callout personnel.

Avalon Beach SLSC has also been deep-cleaned with the assistance of the Northern Beaches Council.

Surf Life Saving advises that people are swimming at their own risk if no flags have been raised. 

“We are backing the Government’s call for residents of the northern beaches to stay at home for the next few days,” said Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce, “Please don’t go to the beach, both to limit the risk of spreading the virus, along with staying safe because beaches will not be patrolled, however, lifeguards are maintaining surveillance capability.”

The SLS SNB Branch has also advised that surf clubs will not be providing a surveillance capability over the weekend, however it will be boosting its Support Operations resources to respond in case of callouts or emergencies.

“We will have additional volunteer capability using our jet skis and drones if required to respond to incidents. Our network of Duty Officers will also be actively patrolling and can respond to incidents, coordinate assets and callout teams,” said Branch President Tracey Hare-Boyd. 

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said if we work together as a community we have a much greater chance of avoiding further lock downs.

“It’s tough but we are hoping this short term pain will reward us with long term gain. Let’s stop the spread now so we get a chance to enjoy this Christmas together.”

“Council will be providing lifeguards at all beaches providing surveillance.”

At this stage, volunteer and lifeguard patrols will be operating at all other NSW beaches outside the Northern Beaches as programmed this weekend.

The BeachSafe website and app will also be providing up to date information. Go to www.beachsafe.org.au

Visit www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au for information on beach status reports.