Heatwave prompts extended beach patrols this weekend

THIS weekend is going to be a scorcher and with extreme heat conditions forecasted, lifeguard patrolled beach hours will be extended in an effort to keep swimmers safe.

Professional lifeguards will offer additional supervision on Saturday at northern beaches and pools, and on Sunday Surf Life Saving Illawarra will take the baton.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said it will be a busy weekend.

“We’re asking all beach and pool-goers do their part by following the directions of our lifeguards, staying a COVID-safe distance away from others and swimming between the flags,” he said.

“What we’ve done is have a look at our key beaches like Stanwell Park, Coledale, Thirroul, North Wollongong and Port Kembla and extended their patrol hours. We’ve also rostered on additional staff.

“At some of our other beaches, we’ve staff on standby for additional hours, should we need to leave the flags up for longer.

“Whether you’re travelling to Wollongong or a local keen for a swim I ask you to just remember to plan ahead and keep in mind that there will likely be more traffic than usual as people make the most of the warm weather.”

Parking can be limited during peak times, so consider exploring one of Wollongong’s lesser known beaches or parking further away and using the Free Gong Shuttle as a park and ride option. Bus timetables can be found on the Premier Illawarra website.

“If you’re new to Wollongong, I encourage you to check out our wide range of excellent beaches. Wollongong is proud to have 17 patrolled beaches from Stanwell Park in the north to Windang in the south. There’s plenty to choose from,” Cr Bradbery said.

“Just remember, whatever beach you visit, if there are no flags that means no swim.”

Wollongong City Council have implemented a new pool booking system for freshwater and saltwater pools to manage crowd numbers and keep everyone COVID-safe.

The Book My Swim initiative is a free online booking system that allows residents and visitors to make a 1-2 hour pool booking. Visit Council’s website to make a pool booking.

For more beach safety tips this summer including our beach safety videos, visit Wollongong City Council’s website.

Beach locations and patrol hours

SATURDAY

• Stanwell Park Beach – 9am to 7pm (with extra staff at peak hours),
  Lower Coast Rd, Stanwell Park
• Coalcliff Beach – 10am to 5pm (may extend 1 hour depending on conditions), Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Coalcliff
• Scarborough Beach – 10am to 5pm (may extend 1 hour depending on conditions), Monash St, Wombarra
• Coledale Beach – 9am to 6pm (with extra staff at peak hours), Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Coledale
• Austinmer Beach – 9am to 7pm, Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Austinmer
• Thirroul Beach – 9am to 7pm, The Esplanade, Thirroul
• Sandon Point Beach – 10am to 6pm, Point St, Bulli
• Bulli Beach – 9am to 7pm, Farrell Rd, Bulli
• Woonona Beach – 9am to 6pm (with extra staff at peak hours), Kurraba Rd, Woonona
• Bellambi Beach – 10am to 5pm (may extend 1 hour depending on conditions), Morgan Pl, Bellambi
• Corrimal Beach – 9am to 7pm, Lake Pde, East Corrimal
• Towradgi Beach – 10am to 6pm, Murranar Rd, Towradgi
• Fairy Meadow Beach – 9am to 6pm, Elliots Rd, Fairy Meadow
• North Wollongong Beach – 8am to 7pm (with extra staff at peak hours), Cliff Rd, North Wollongong
• Wollongong City Beach – 9am to 7pm (with extra staff at peak hours), Marine Dr, Wollongong
• Port Kembla Beach – 9am to 7pm with (extra staff at peak hours), Olympic Blvd, Port Kembla
• Windang Beach -10am to 6pm, Fern St, Windang

SUNDAY

Surf Life Saving Illawarra will be patrolling beaches with assistance from Wollongong City Council Lifeguard supervisors.

• Stanwell Park Beach – 9am to 6pm, Lower Coast Rd, Stanwell Park
• Coalcliff Beach -10am to 5pm, Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Coalcliff
• Scarborough Beach -10am to 5pm, Monash St, Wombarra
• Coledale Beach -10am to 5pm, Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Coledale
• Austinmer Beach – 9am to 6pm, Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Austinmer
• Thirroul Beach – 9am to 6pm, The Esplanade, Thirroul
• Sandon Point Beach -10am to 5pm, Point St, Bulli
• Bulli Beach – 9am to 6pm, Farrell Rd, Bulli
• Woonona Beach -10am to 5pm, Kurraba Rd, Woonona
• Bellambi Beach -10am to 5pm, Morgan Pl, Bellambi
• Corrimal Beach – 9am to 6pm, Lake Pde, East Corrimal
• Towradgi Beach -10am to 5pm, Murranar Rd, Towradgi
• Fairy Meadow Beach – 9am to 6pm, Elliots Rd, Fairy Meadow
• North Wollongong Beach – 8am to 6pm, Cliff Rd, North Wollongong
• Wollongong City Beach – 9am to 6pm, Marine Dr, Wollongong
• Port Kembla Beach – 9am to 6pm, Olympic Blvd, Port Kembla
• Windang Beach -10am to 5pm, Fern St, Windang

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