Lifeguard patrol hours have been extended across Lake Macquarie's beaches over the summer school holidays to help cope with an influx of visitors.
Throughout the school holidays, Lake Macquarie City Council patrolled beaches will be open an hour longer, from 9am-6pm, instead of patrols ending at 5pm.
"This is the busiest time of year at all four of our patrolled beaches," Manager Leisure Services Paul Stone said.
"We understand that a lot of people want to go swimming before or after work, and extending our hours will mean they can do so safely."
Coastal hotspots, including Caves Beach, Redhead Beach, Dudley Beach, Naru Point and Swansea boat ramp, will have traffic management measures in place on public holidays throughout December and January.
Council has also increased the number of public bins and their servicing frequency at popular destinations, including Naru Beach, Pelican Foreshore, Redhead Beach, Speers Point, Warners Bay, Belmont Foreshore, Toronto Foreshore and Caves Beach.
Waste collections scheduled for Christmas Day and Boxing Day will occur a day later than usual, with normal services resuming on 29 December, including New Year's Day.
Manager Waste Services Derek Poulton said Awaba Waste Management Facility (AWMF) and the adjoining Community Recycling Centre (CRC) would be open every day except Christmas Day, while the Belmont North Community Recycling Centre would open every day except public holidays.
"Polystyrene and excess cardboard can be dropped off to our Community Recycling Centres for free," he said.
"Please ensure cardboard is flattened before arriving and styrofoam is clean and free of tape or packaging material."
Enclosed shoes are required when visiting the AWMF and CRCs.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the extra services would help keep the city safe and looking its best during the peak holiday season.
"A big shout-out to all the staff working extra shifts or longer hours to cover all those duties," he said.
"This is the perfect time of year to get outdoors and spend time with family and friends, and we are helping make that a more enjoyable experience for everyone."
Go to lakemac.com.au for a full list of Council facilities and services operating arrangements over the Christmas and New Year period.
