Lifeguards Gear Up for a Busy Summer as Crowds Expected to Surge on Lake Macquarie Beaches

Lake Macquarie’s beaches are set to welcome over a million visitors this season, with the 2024-25 patrolled beach season officially starting this weekend. Based on past trends, Redhead Beach remains the most frequented, drawing nearly a third of all visitors to the area’s patrolled shores.

Paul Stone, Coordinator of Leisure Operations for Lake Macquarie City Council, anticipates this year’s crowds will surpass the 977,000 visitors recorded during the 2023-24 season. Beaches such as Caves Beach, Catherine Hill Bay, Blacksmiths, and Hams Beach are also expected to see significant numbers throughout the summer.

“With more than 30 lifeguards, including four women, patrolling our beaches, we’re prepared for what’s shaping up to be one of the busiest seasons yet,” said Mr Stone. Patrols will run daily from 9am to 5pm, with extended hours until 6pm during the peak school holiday period.

Training for lifeguards has focused on using jet skis and rescue boards, particularly in areas prone to rock shelf incidents. “We handled over 50 major incidents last season and carried out more than 120 rescues. Ensuring our lifeguards are ready for similar challenges is a top priority,” added Mr Stone.

In preparation for the busy months ahead, the council has upgraded its communication system, introducing a new two-way radio network that connects all patrolled beaches. This system is designed to streamline emergency responses and enable quicker coordination with other emergency services.

For those planning a day out at the beach, live updates on conditions can be found at lakemac.com.au.