Wollongong City Council has introduced a fleet of new equipment to Wollongong beaches this summer to increase swimmer safety.

The increased resources have been rolled out in the past few weeks and include a number of new all-terrain vehicles and jet skis.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery OAM said the additional resources would increase beach safety over the summer period.

 “This is just one of the ways Council is working to make our beaches safer for swimmers over the summer period,” Cr Bradbery said.

“Increased resources and the addition of new patrol vehicles will enhance the lifeguard presence at our beaches.”

Fairy Meadow Beach will receive an additional lifeguard and be home to a new all-terrain vehicle, increasing safety around the Fairy Meadow, Puckeys and Towradgi areas.

Additional all-terrain vehicles and jet skis have also been placed at Port Kembla and Thirroul beaches allowing council lifeguards to respond more quickly to incidents across the City.

New controlled access points will also be installed in the North Wollongong Lagoon area over the coming weeks to ensure the public are aware of the hazards of entering water away from patrolled areas.

Cr Bradbery welcomed the new equipment and also encouraged beachgoers to take care over the summer to avoid getting into trouble at the City’s beaches.

“Council has gone to great lengths to increase safety at all of the City’s beaches this summer so that both residents and visitors are able to enjoy the beautiful natural environment.

“While we have lifeguards present at 17 beaches across Wollongong City it is important that people take steps to ensure their safety. Council encourages beachgoers to swim at patrolled locations and be realistic about their swimming abilities prior to getting in the water."