When Wollongong City Council takes down the iconic red and yellow flags on Tuesday, 26 April it will herald the end of the summer patrol season at 16 of Council's 17 beaches.
 
Wollongong City Council Manager of Property and Recreation, Peter Coyte said he commends the outstanding efforts of Council Lifeguards and the volunteer lifesavers who worked tirelessly over the busy summer season to keep our beaches and pools safe.
 
"It's been busy over the high season, with huge numbers flocking to the beaches," said Mr Coyte.
 
"We've had some really hot days this year and warm water which have made conditions very favourable for swimmers and brought the crowds out."
 
The summer season did not pass without incident, with the loss of three lives in the region's waters highlighting the inherent risks of using our beaches  
 
"These unfortunate incidents are a reminder to both residents and visitors that whatever the ocean conditions always remember the three golden rules,”

• Seek and heed the advice of Lifeguards and Lifesavers
• Only swim at patrolled locations
• Always be realistic about your own ability to respond to changing surf conditions.

It would also be appropriate to reflect on the outstanding efforts of our lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers in their efforts in providing precautionary advice to swimmers and undertaking many rescues over the summer.
 
In particular we should reflect on the efforts of the Council Lifeguards in responding to the Mass Rescue situation at Stanwell Park beach in January and the acute first aid support of the off duty Stanwell Park lifesaving volunteers, whose swift actions saved the lives of in excess of 20 people.
 
But not all lifeguards will be hanging up their Speedos for winter, Council Lifeguards patrol North Wollongong beach all year round Monday to Saturday, 9am-4pm, with volunteer lifesavers maintaining the patrol on Sundays.
 
Swimmers will notice changes to the flags on North Wollongong beach this winter. New flags, which act as signage to inform swimmers of sea conditions and safe swimming zones will be in place. The changes are inline with the new Australian Standards for Water Safety signage.
 
The key changes are;  

• Black/white quartered flags to replace the blue flags
• Additional yellow flag indicating a hazardous condition
• Additional red flag indicating the beach is closed. 
  

“Beach patrons will also notice changes to the beach signage advising people of the relevance of the new flags,” explained Mr Coyte.
 
“Council is rolling the new Australian standards out over the winter period at North Beach in conjunction with the winter surf education program.”
 
Pool Lifeguard Services at Helensburgh, Thirroul, Unanderra, Port Kembla and Berkeley pools will also close on Tuesday, 26 April. Council heated pools at Corrimal, Beaton Park and  Dapto  will again be open throughout winter together with the Wollongong Continental baths.
 
To view the winter opening (or low season) hours, please visit Council’s website www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au.