community - 2026-09-29

Seasonal lifeguard patrols return to Northern Beaches, with Shelly Beach added for summer peak

Source: www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Seasonal lifeguard patrols have returned across the Northern Beaches as warmer weather draws more people to the coast. Manly and Dee Why remain patrolled throughout the year, while Freshwater resumed earlier and patrols at the remaining seasonal beaches began on Saturday 26 September.

Seasonal lifeguard patrols have returned across the Northern Beaches as warmer weather draws more people to the coast. Manly and Dee Why remain patrolled throughout the year, while Freshwater resumed earlier and patrols at the remaining seasonal beaches began on Saturday 26 September. Shelly Beach will also be patrolled for the first time during the busiest part of summer. Lifeguards will be on duty there from 21 December 2026 to 31 January 2027, with the additional service funded through the special variation to rates. The new patrol will cover the Christmas and New Year holiday period, when beaches are expected to be particularly busy. Outside those dates, residents and visitors should check current patrol information and not assume a lifeguard will be on duty at Shelly Beach. More than 14 million visits are made to Northern Beaches beaches each year. Last season, council lifeguards carried out 960 rescues, provided first aid to 4,017 people and completed more than 530,000 preventative actions intended to stop dangerous situations developing. Lifeguards will again work with the NSW Government's Shark Management Program this summer. Drone surveillance will provide aerial...