More Warm Weather Keeps Our Beaches Open

With more warm weather predicted for the weekend, Wollongong City Council’s Lifeguards are extending patrol hours once again on 11 of our popular beaches for Saturday 1 February, along with adding additional staff to cope with the expected large crowds at our major beaches.

Those looking to head to the sand can avoid the midday heat, and are encouraged to cool off while the flags are still up in the early evening.

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

“The weather predicted for the weekend is going to be consistently hot,’’ Wollongong City Council’s Beach Services Operations Manager Paul Dreghorn said.

“With the heat, we are reminding people to stay hydrated, continually apply sunscreen and seek shade while on our beaches. The sun can be as dangerous as the surf and being sun smart is a necessity over the course of the weekend.’’

Mr Dreghorn said people should note which beaches had extended patrol hours, and to stick to patrolled beaches when looking to cool down.

“Our beaches are going to busy this weekend, and the easiest way to keep everyone safe is if swimmers stay between the red and yellow flags during patrol hours and listen to the advice of the lifeguards or volunteer life savers. As always, our lifeguards are on the beaches to help you, so if you have any concerns make sure you speak to one of them.”

The beaches with additional hours are:

Stanwell Park (9am – 7pm)

Coledale (10am- 6pm)

Austinmer (9am -7pm)

Thirroul (9am -7pm)

Sandon Point (10am- 6pm)

Bulli (9am -7pm)

Woonona (10am- 6pm)

Corrimal (9am -7pm)

North Wollongong (8am – 7pm)

City Beach (9am -7pm)

Port Kembla (9am -7pm)