The 2025-26 Central Coast beach patrol season officially concluded on Monday 27 April, following a busy seven months of strong beach visitation and ongoing safety responses by Central Coast Council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC) volunteers.
Throughout the season, Council lifeguards provided weekday patrols at 15 beaches and the Grant McBride Baths, while SLSCC volunteers covered weekends and public holidays.
Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the end of the beach patrol season is a reminder of just how important both lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers are to the community.
“I’m at the beach most mornings for a swim and regularly see the dedication and professionalism of those on patrol,” Mayor McKinna said.
“This year’s beach patrol season has come to a close and it’s clear their commitment throughout the season has been outstanding. I want to thank every lifeguard and lifesaver for helping keep people safe along our coastline throughout the season.”
Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the season saw strong visitation across patrolled locations, alongside a continued focus on safety.
“Patrolled beaches recorded more than 2.3 million visits during Council patrol periods, similar to the previous year, along with 163,911 visits to the Baths,” Ms Smith said.
“During this time, Council lifeguards carried out more than 49,000 preventative actions, treated over 4,000 first aid incidents and completed 929 rescues.
“These figures were slightly lower than in previous years and may indicate that the community is responding to swim safe messaging by making safer choices for themselves and their families, including swimming at patrolled beaches and between the flags.
“As we move into the cooler months, it’s important that people remain cautious around the water.”
Although the patrol season has ended, water safety remains important year‑round. The Grant McBride Baths will remain open throughout winter and are patrolled daily by Council lifeguards from 8am to 1pm, seven days a week. Gosford Olympic Pool, Peninsula Leisure Centre and Toukley Aquatic Centre also remain a safe option for a swim.
Key water safety tips to remember year-round
• Use the ‘Float to Survive’ technique.
• Never swim alone.
• Avoid swimming for at least 24 hours after heavy rainfall to reduce exposure to stormwater pollution.
• When rock fishing, boating or jet skiing – wear a life jacket, check the conditions, tell someone your plans and carry a phone.
Recruitment for the 2026-27 lifeguard season opens in early August, with patrols resuming in the September school holidays.
For more information and beach safety tips, search ‘beach safety’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au