Lake Macquarie City Council lifeguards will be even better prepared for emergencies this summer, equipped with a high-tech first aid device to save lives after major trauma incidents.
Patrolled beaches along the city's coast will be among the first in Australia to deploy electronic 'smart' tourniquets, known as TAK710s, designed to increase a patient's chances of survival after serious injury.
Team Leader Beach Lifeguards Hayden Copping said cutting-edge technology and industry-leading training put Lake Macquarie Lifeguards at the forefront of beach safety.
"The patrolled season kicks off this weekend and we're expecting more than one million people to visit our beaches over the next six months," he said.
"We have a proud tradition of keeping our beaches safe, and we are constantly looking at ways to improve our operations and the inventory we call upon to save lives."
Dr Adrian Cohen, a former Westpac Rescue Helicopter emergency doctor, said normal tourniquets were slow and sometimes complicated to apply in emergency situations, and required two hands.
"There's also a risk of them loosening whilst the patient is moved, and no objective confirmation that it's working properly to stop arterial bleeding," he said.
The TAK710 can be applied in 10 seconds, even with one hand, and works in wet and slippery conditions, even over a wetsuit.
"Catastrophic limb haemorrhage remains the single most preventable cause of death in trauma prior to definitive care," Dr Cohen said.
"The TAK710 design directly addresses gaps encountered in beach rescues, mass-casualty incidents, remote trauma and hostile or austere environments."
Lifeguards have been undergoing in-depth training in the lead-up to the 2026-27 season, including challenging rescues, jet-ski manoeuvres, and refining first aid and response times.
"We've also held collaborative training sessions with the Department of Primary Industries and Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service to further improve safety and outcomes of beachgoers," Mr Copping said.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said Lake Macquarie's lifeguards were among the best-trained in the country, and investing in the latest equipment helped them deliver the highest standards of beach safety.
"Our beaches attract more than a million visitors every patrolled season, so it's important we give our lifeguards every possible tool to help protect our community and visitors," he said.
"We're proud to be among the first beach services in Australia to introduce new technology and continue building on our strong reputation for safety on the coast."
Mr Copping said that with the warm start to spring, large crowds were expected over the two weeks of school holidays.
"As always, we're urging everyone to swim inside the red and yellow flags, take note of any warning signs on the beach and always listen to the instructions of our lifeguards," he said.
"They are highly trained professionals, and they will always make decisions that put the safety of the community first."
Council lifeguards will patrol Blacksmiths, Catherine Hill Bay, Caves and Redhead beaches from Saturday until the Anzac Day long weekend in April 2027.
Go to lakemac.com.au
