The Central Coast’s beach patrol season for 2025-26 officially commences Saturday 27 September 2025, running through until Sunday 26 April 2026.
Throughout the patrol season, 15 Central Coast beaches will be patrolled daily, with Central Coast Council lifeguards on duty from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and Surf Life Saving volunteers patrolling on weekends and public holidays (with patrol hours as listed on the Surf Life Saving Beachsafe website).
In addition to beach patrols, Council lifeguards will also patrol the Grant McBride Baths daily, with The Entrance channel patrolled on weekends throughout the school holidays – ensuring safety across multiple popular aquatic locations.
Central Coast Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the Central Coast has some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia, but it’s important that people stay alert and put safety first.
“Each year, despite the incredible work of our lifeguards and lifesavers, tragic incidents can still occur,” Mayor McKinna said.
“I strongly encourage everyone to swim at patrolled beaches and always between the red and yellow flags. It’s a simple but important step that can save lives.”
Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said Council remains deeply committed to ensuring our beaches are both safe and accessible for everyone.
“We continue to work in close partnership with Surf Life Saving Clubs, maintaining one of the strongest collaborations in the state, with shared planning, rescue equipment and fleet,” Ms Smith said.
“To support access and inclusion, Council provides beach wheelchairs at 11 beaches and has installed beach matting at 4 popular locations this summer season, helping people with limited mobility or living with a disability to enjoy the beach safely.
“Our leisure centres also play a vital role in building confident swimmers for life, offering learn-to-swim classes for children and adults. Whether it’s the beach, a backyard pool, or any body of water, knowing how to swim is critical.”
From north to south, the patrolled beaches on the Central Coast are:
- The Lakes Beach, Budgewoi
- Soldiers Beach
- North Entrance Beach
- The Entrance Beach
- Toowoon Bay Beach
- Shelly Beach
- Wamberal Beach
- Terrigal Beach
- North Avoca Beach
- Avoca Beach
- Copacabana Beach
- MacMasters Beach
- Killcare Beach
- Ocean Beach, Umina
- Umina Beach
For more information on beach safety and patrol locations search ‘beach safety’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au