As the weather keeps warming up for another summer, today (Saturday, September 27) marks the opening of the Surf Life Saving patrol season until 26 April 2026.

Beachgoers can expect to see Surf Life Saving volunteers patrolling on weekends and public holidays, as well as professional lifeguards, helping to keep people safe during the warmer months up and down the Northern Rivers coastline.

Over the last 12 months, Surf Life Saving NSW has seen membership rise by 5 per cent to a record 83,000. Patrolling membership has increased by 2.6% to more than 21,000, while Nipper numbers grew by 4.5% to almost 30,000.

It is an exciting time of year, but also an important reminder to the community to think about how they can keep themselves and their families safe on the sand and in the water. 

Addressing the number of coastal deaths in unpatrolled and isolated locations is a key priority for the NSW Government.

There were 52 coastal drownings in 2024/25, down from 61 fatalities the previous year. With a warm and dry summer ahead, this season is expected to keep patrolling volunteers busy.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said, “Every summer, the red and yellow flags become a symbol of safety and community across our state. The dedication of thousands of Surf Life Saving volunteers, alongside our professional lifeguards, gives families the confidence to enjoy our world-class beaches.

“Our record investment is supporting the incredible work of our surf lifesavers and volunteers and delivering cutting-edge technology that is the envy of the world.

"We’ve seen too many tragedies in unpatrolled or isolated locations. With a hot summer ahead, I urge everyone to swim between the flags, listen to the advice of lifesavers, and put safety first. These small steps make all the difference.”

The record spending the Premier mentioned includes key actions identified through the Minister’s coastal water safety roundtable in March 2024, they include:

• A record $72 million investment for Surf Life Saving NSW over the four years from 2023-24 to 2026-27.
• Funding has already provided 56 new jet skis from this record investment, with another 11 to be delivered.
• The installation of new Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs) fitted with flotation devices and enhanced technology like high-definition video live-streaming to support rapid response to emergencies and provide another set of eyes on the beach. Already, 58 out of 64 ERBs have been installed and are operating across our coastline.
• Further initiatives to ensure rapid response to emergencies all year-round, alongside the ERBs, include UAV (drone) technology and AI camera technology trials.
• $5.4 million for NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs for the upgrade, restoration or construction of surf lifesaving facilities following the announcement of recipients in the 2024/25 Surf Club Facility Program.

The launch of a new online Beach Safety Hub to bring together essential information, including tips and guidance to help communities stay informed and safe around the state’s waterways. Water safety resources are available in 24 languages on the Hub at www.beachsafetyhub.org.au.

To learn more about how to keep yourself and your family safe, please visit www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/visiting-nsw-waterways.

Acting Minister for Emergency Services, Anoulack Chanthivong said, “I extend my thanks to every surf lifesaver and volunteer who is part of this annual effort – you are the backbone of beach safety in our great state.

“The NSW Government is proud to be delivering record funding to ensure our surf lifesavers have the equipment they need to keep our beaches safer than ever before for everyone to enjoy.

“Ahead of a hot summer where we expect millions to enjoy themselves on the sand and in the water, there has never been a more important time to remind people to be aware and take water safety seriously.”

Surf Life Saving NSW President Peter Agnew AM said, “We are extremely fortunate to have a volunteer base of 83,000 plus lifesavers who are so excited to be back on the beach and ready for a big season ahead.

“Surf Life Saving is about family, community, and connection. There’s a role for everyone and we’re always looking for new members, whether you can contribute to admin, first aid, teaching our Nippers or even cooking the club BBQ.

“You’ll learn new skills like piloting a drone and driving an inflatable rescue boat, you’ll gain valuable fitness and make friends for life.”