SWIM season is back and more than 150 lifeguards across the city are ready to make yours a safe one!

From Saturday 27 September, Wollongong City Council lifeguards will be on the sand and poolside to make sure residents and visitors take a dip safely.

They will be stationed across 17 patrolled beaches from Stanwell Park to Windang, marking their presence with the red and yellow flags. They are also on duty at a mix of nine chlorinated and saltwater community pool locations.

Community 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.

Preparation for the upcoming summer season by professional lifeguards has not happened overnight. In July, Council carried out an extensive recruitment process to employ a passionate and skilled group of more than 50 new lifeguards for summer.

To build on their experience and knowledge, they have undergone various fitness testing and procedural trainings to ensure they’re equipped with the right tools and information.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown expects the 2025/2026 season to be a busy one.

“We’ve come out of a very cold and wet winter, so I expect our community are itching for glorious summer days to dive into our coastal waters,” she said.

“But with fun, must come responsibility. No matter how many summers you have enjoyed at our swimming spots, we should never be complacent in around the water.

“Last swim season, there were 489 beach rescues carried out by our lifeguards, and we really want to see that number decrease dramatically – or hit zero – this summer.

“I urge everyone to please swim to your abilities and do it between the red and yellow flags. These flags are not put up by our lifeguards as a recommendation or decoration even.

“They are placed there every day for your safety. You can be assured that by taking a dip within the flags, lifeguards are keeping an eye on you, in case anything happens.

“If you do find yourself in a difficult situation, please stay calm, raise your hand to the lifeguards and float on your back. It’s easier said than done, but the key is to float to survive.”

Patrol hours at the city’s 17 beaches change at different periods during the swim season.

The full schedule of patrol hours are available Council’s Beaches webpage.

Swimmers are warned not enter the water if there are no red and yellow flags.

Freshwater and saltwater community pools are supervised by Council lifeguards and the opening hours are available on Council’s Pools webpage.

“If you rather be pool side than on the sand, water safety and rules are expected at our supervised pools,” Cr Brown said.

“Remember your pool etiquette and be aware of others please. Do not run within the facility, supervise young children and as tempting as it is, no manus or bombs.

“I can confidently say that no matter which patrolled beach or supervised community pool you chose, our lifeguards will take your safety seriously.

“If you’re unsure about anything, especially when it comes to water conditions, have a chat with one of our lifeguards who are more than happy to assist. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so when in doubt ask – it can save a life this summer.”

The beaches and community pools at Austinmer, North Wollongong, Port Kembla and Thirroul all feature facilities designed to support access for people with disability. This includes free beach wheelchairs that are available for hire and use during patrol hours.

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