The latest intake of professional Lifeguards were welcomed at a special induction event at North Narrabeen’s Coastal Environment Centre on Tuesday (24 September).

Our new Council Lifeguards understand they share the immense responsibility of keeping our beaches safe by working closely with volunteers from the 21 Surf Life Saving Clubs along the peninsula coastline across the 2019/2020 patrol season.

“Throughout the week, on weekends and public holidays, the co-ordinated efforts of volunteer Surf Life Savers and Council Lifeguards are the cornerstones of beach safety,” Northern Beaches Council Mayor Michael Regan said.

“They work together tirelessly to ensure visitors and residents are safe and comfortable - whether on the sand or in the water.”

The induction was ahead of the patrol season for 2019/2020 commencing this Saturday, 28 September.

Last year over 10.5 million people visited our beaches and Council Lifeguards along with surf club volunteers carried out 437,398 preventative actions, 1,041 rescues and provided first aid to 5,384 people.

“Along with keeping safe, all lifeguards and lifesavers seek to increase the knowledge, skills and awareness of beach users,” said Mayor Regan.

“We remind beach-goers to ‘know their capability’, swim between the flags, read the water conditions, follow the direction of Lifeguards and beach signage - and if you are unsure, ask a Lifeguard for advice.

“And don’t forget to cover up from the sun’s harmful rays and ‘slip, slop, slap’.”