Stay safe with lifeguard season on the horizon
Spring is here and lifeguards will begin patrolling local beaches later this month to coincide with the school holidays.
Kiama Municipal Council lifeguards and volunteer surf lifesavers from local clubs will be doing their bit to minimise the risk for beachgoers from 26 September until the Anzac Day public holiday on April 25.
Mayor Cameron McDonald is asking anyone who intends to enjoy the surf at local beaches to only enter the water at patrolled areas when lifeguards are on duty.
"The message is simple - only swim between the red and yellow flags," he said. "Our beaches are beautiful and they're a popular attraction for local residents and visitors to our area but conditions can be dangerous so it's essential that everyone follows the rules and listens to the instructions of the lifeguards on duty.
"Stay safe, swim smart and enjoy our beaches in a responsible manner."
Council's supervising lifeguard Craig Bowley said his team racked up 396 patrol days across seven beaches last summer as they supervised more than 263,000 people, and similar numbers are expected this season.
"There were four drownings at our beaches last season and all four of them occurred in areas that were not being patrolled," he said. "Our priority is to keep everyone safe so that we can avoid unnecessary loss of life."
Kiama Council and Surf Life Saving NSW have installed Emergency Relay Beacons (ERBs) at high-risk areas, including South Bombo, Kendalls Beach, and Blowhole Point. In an emergency, these beacons connect you immediately to the Surf Life Saving NSW Operations Centre and alert nearby lifesavers via text.
2026-27 patrol details
Kiama Council Lifeguards
Outside daylight savings: 28 September to 3 October, 4-23 April: 9am-4.30pm
Spring hours: 4 October to 1 December, 9.30am-5pm
Summer through autumn hours: 1 December to 4 April: 10am-5.30pm
Local surf lifesaving clubs
26 September to 18 December: 10am-4pm
19 December to 31 January: 10am-5.30pm
1 February to 25 April: 10am-4pm
Jones Beach
Kiama Council Lifeguards: Mon-Fri, 21 December to 29 January
Kiama Downs SLSC: Weekends and public holidays, 26 September to 25 April
Bombo Beach
Kiama Council Lifeguards: Seven days a week, 21 December to 31 January. Weekends in February only
Surf Beach
Kiama Council Lifeguards: Mon-Fri, 28 September to 23 April
Kiama SLSC: Weekends and public holidays, 26 September to 25 April
Kendalls Beach
Kiama Council Lifeguards: Seven days a week, 21 December to 31 January. Weekends in February only
Easts Beach
Kiama Council Lifeguards: Seven days a week, 21 December to 31 January
Werri Beach
Kiama Council Lifeguards: Mon-Fri, 21 December to 29 January, Easter school holidays 12-23 April, 9am-4.30pm
Gerringong SLSC: Weekends and public holidays, 26 September to 25 April
Seven Mile Beach
Kiama Council Lifeguards: Seven days a week, 21 December to 31 January. Weekends in February only
