THE pools are full, the flags are up with Wollongong City Council’s more than 150 lifeguards zinced and ready for another swim season at our city’s iconic beaches and pools.

Starting Saturday 28 September, 17 beaches from Stanwell Park to Windang, and nine fresh and saltwater pools, will be patrolled to ensure residents can confidently and safely enjoy a dip in our many picturesque swim spots.

While Wollongong is a prime location for visitors keen to enjoy pool and beach locations, close to 80 per cent of local residents regularly enjoy beaches and almost half will utilise public pools.

Ensuring they can do so safely is a key priority for Council, one that will see professional lifeguards deployed across all these locations. Pools will be patrolled seven days a week, while Council lifeguards will patrol beaches Monday to Saturday and assist Surf Lifesaving Illawarra volunteer patrols on Sundays and public holidays.

Wollongong Council lifeguards log more patrol hours than that of any other local council in NSW, with the length and breadth of patrols allowing residents and visitors alike to not only enjoy their favourite swimming spots, but also venture far and wide for new experiences to literally jump into.

These rigorously trained and tested lifeguards are your waterside experts and are more than happy to chat and advise beach and pool-goers about conditions and safe practices, starting with swimming between the red and yellow flags.

Council has also worked to ensure improved access to swimming locations for all residents, with beaches and pools at Austinmer, North Wollongong, Port Kembla and Thirroul all featuring facilities designed to support access for people with disability.

This includes free beach wheelchairs that can be booked and utilised during patrol hours, with a newly available wheelchair specifically designed for children up to about 14 years of age.

Wollongong Council’s Operations Manager Beach Services Murray Copas said lifeguards are back patrolling beaches.

“We want to remind everyone to be safe, follow instructions and swim between the flags,” he said.

While beach and pool safety is a key message heading into patrolled season, Council’s beach lifeguards promote water safety year-round through surf education programs that support various community groups, including primary schools and CALD programs.

These programs have reached over 6000 school children this year.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery reminded beachgoers to heed the advice of lifeguards and to practice beach and pool safety this swim season.

“We are so fortunate in Wollongong to have some of the world’s best beaches and swimming locations right at our doorstep,” Cr Bradbery said.

“We are equally fortunate to have a dedicated team of lifeguards passionate about ensuring that we can enjoy the natural beauty of our city’s swim spots safely and with confidence.

“The expertise of our lifeguards, and new measures and facilities aimed at making our beaches and pools more accessible, makes a day at the beach or pool something the entire community can enjoy.

“We encourage all beach and pool goers to follow their lead this swim season, and to seek out patrolled locations when heading out to enjoy the warmer weather.

“Please remember to seek out those beaches that are not only patrolled, but less crowded with more car parking opportunities. You’ve got 17 locations to choose from. Try a different beach this summer.”

Current patrol or opening hours are shown on Council’s Beaches and Pools pages. Hours shown can change at any time due to emergencies, weather, maintenance or other events outside Council’s control.

Beach locations and pool locations are available on Council’s website.