Selected beaches open for longer this Thursday

Beachgoers can avoid the midday heat, and still enjoy a dip tomorrow, Thursday 23 January, with Wollongong City Council’s Lifeguards extending patrol hours on 12 of our popular beaches.

Flags will be up until 7pm at Stanwell Park, Coledale, Austinmer, Thirroul, Bulli, Woonona, Corrimal, Towradgi, North Wollongong, City and Port Kembla beaches.  They’ll remain up until 6pm at Sandon Point.

“The weather forecast for Thursday is for some very unpleasant conditions and heat,’’ Wollongong City Council’s Acting Beach Services Operations Manager Tim Jennett said.

“With heat expected to linger well into the late afternoon, we’re going to keep our beaches open for an extra hour and allow people a longer opportunity to cool off.’’

Mr Jennett said people should note which beaches had extended patrol hours, and to stick to patrolled beaches for an after-work dip.

“We’ve extended the hours at 12 of our 17 patrolled beaches so that we can help keep people safe,’’ he said.

“Please, if you’re headed to the beach, swim between the red and yellow flags during patrol hours. Our lifeguards are there to help keep you out of trouble and these flags mark the safest place on the beach for a swim. And, remember, if there are no flags up, then there is no swimming.’’

Mr Jennett said Lifeguards would also provide additional staffing support to Surf Life Saving Illawarra on Australia Day.

“If you’re looking to head to the beach over the long weekend the advice remains the same,’’ he said.

“Stick to swimming between the red and yellow flags and always follow the advice of the Lifeguards or volunteer life savers. We’re here to help keep you safe.’’

The beaches with additional hours are:

Stanwell Park – 7pm

Coledale – 7pm

Austinmer – 7pm

Thirroul – 7pm

Sandon Point –6pm

Bulli – 7pm

Woonona – 7pm

Corrimal – 7pm

Towradgi – 7pm

North Wollongong – 7pm

City Beach – 7pm

Port Kembla – 7pm