Merewether beach patrol moved to Dixon Park for winter

newy.com.au – City of Newcastle has moved its winter beach patrol from Merewether Beach to Dixon Park Beach, saying the change will put lifeguards at a safer and more consistent swimming location during the colder months.

The council said winter surf conditions can make some beaches, including Merewether, more hazardous, with stronger rips, larger surf and unpredictable shore breaks. Concentrating patrols at safer locations is intended to maintain lifeguard surveillance and emergency response capability while directing swimmers to calmer conditions.

Dixon Park Beach will be the primary winter patrol location in that part of the coastline, but Merewether Beach will continue to be monitored through regular roving patrols. A Department of Primary Industries drone based at Dixon Park Beach will also assist with safety monitoring across Newcastle’s beaches.

The beaches and swimming locations patrolled over winter are Nobbys Beach, Bar Beach, Dixon Park Beach, Newcastle Ocean Baths and Merewether Ocean Baths.

Swimmers are being urged to use patrolled beaches only, stay between the red and yellow flags and take extra care in the water throughout winter.