Published: 21 December 2022

Summer holidays are here, and eight Eurobodalla beaches now have lifeguards on duty every day from 9am to 5pm through until 26 January.

Eurobodalla Council contracts Lifeguarding Services Australia to patrol beaches at Surf Beach Batemans Bay, Malua Bay, Broulee South, Moruya North Head, Moruya South Head, Tuross Main, Dalmeny, and Narooma Surf Beach.

CEO Stan Wall said there was a mix of new and returning lifeguards trained and ready for a ripper season.

“It’s awesome to see the team back on the beach dressed in blue, ready for another big season,” Mr Wall said.

“Each summer we see beach conditions change quite rapidly, especially at Dalmeny and Tuross where inlets influence the swimming zone. It keeps lifeguards on their toes.

“We want people to go home with great memories of the beach instead of not making it home at all.

“Before going for a swim, ask lifeguards about the conditions. They’re all locals and know the beaches like the back of their hands.”

Beaches were expected to get busy as the shire’s population triples over summer. Eurobodalla Mayor Mathew Hatcher encouraged locals and visitors to be safe and smart.

“Some of us will be in holiday mode, while others are very much in business mode working to earn their main income for the year,” Mayor Hatcher said.

“Let’s embrace the holiday vibe, show some extra patience during these busy times, and make this a summer to remember.”

Mayor Hatcher said roads and waterways can be dangerous with extra people moving about.

“We all know how hectic traffic can be; same with our boat ramps, so avoid peak times if you can,” Mayor Hatcher said.

Mayor Hatcher reminded everyone to obey signs and not swim around boat ramps and fishing facilities.

“Of our 83 beaches, there’s so many amazing locations to swim but the safest is between the red and yellow flags under the watchful eye of lifesavers,” he said.

“Hats off to all the lifesavers who are spending their Christmas patrolling our busy beaches this year.”

Mayor Hatcher also applauded Council’s new mobility mats, now in use at seven of Eurobodalla’s patrolled beaches.

“The mobility mats are already getting amazing feedback from locals,” he said.

“They’re not only wheelchair-friendly, they’re also unreal for elderly people not as steady on their feet, people with injuries or kids in prams too. People who would normally miss out on the beach can now join in fun.”

Read more about beach patrols, mobility mats and beach wheelchairs on our beaches page.

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