Beaches close this weekend

THIS Sunday (April 28) marks the official end of the 2018/2019 swim season.

The only beach to remain patrolled by lifeguards until next Spring will be North Wollongong Beach from this Sunday. However, Corrimal pool will remain open all year.

Stanwell Park, Austinmer and North Wollongong Beaches have remained the most popular beaches in the Wollongong local government area, accounting for almost 40 per cent of attendances to March 31 2019.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said it had been a busy season with more than one million beach attendances.

“There were almost 400 rescues during the season and more than 33,000 swimmers were advised to move to a safer area or back between the flags,” Cr Bradbury said.

“These statistics are testament to the tremendous work our lifeguards do protecting residents and visitors at our beaches.”

The end of the official swimming season also means Council’s pool at Helensburgh will be closed from tomorrow, Saturday April 27, until late September, with Thirroul pool open until May 31.

Access to ‘Orange Zone’ beaches for dogs on leashes changed on Anzac Day. ‘Orange Zone: Timed Access’ allows access for dogs on leashes before 9am and after 4pm. The orange zone includes all beaches not designated as off-leash (green) or banned areas, including all rock platforms and rock pools (red).

Visit Council’s website for more information on the Dogs on Beaches and Parks Policy. For more information call (02) 4227 7111.