Randwick Lifeguards – Keeping Our Beaches Safe

By Randwick City Council on April 18, 2011 in News

Randwick City’s professional lifeguards were kept extremely busy this summer season, conducting hundreds of rescues and keeping millions of beachgoers safe.

Council’s Senior Lifeguard Peter Halcro said nearly 3.5 million people visited Randwick City’s three patrolled beaches – Clovelly, Coogee and Maroubra – during the recent summer season.

“A total of 344 people were rescued by the Council’s professional lifeguards, with more than 300 at Maroubra Beach where rips and big surf are common,” he said.

“A total of 3,331 first aid treatments and a staggering 9,466 preventions were carried out – this includes moving people into the flagged area patrolled by the lifeguards.”

Now that daylight saving has finished, the lifeguards will patrol the most popular beaches of Coogee and Maroubra from 7am to 5pm, while patrols at Clovelly will cease until the weather heats up again in October.

Randwick Mayor Murray Matson said during the warmer months millions of people converge on the beaches of Randwick City, particularly Coogee Beach, which is a hot spot for locals, backpackers and tourists alike.

“The lifeguards do a magnificent job keeping a watchful eye on beach-goers, educating people on the need to swim between the flags and are always ready to put their expert rescue skills to use, should someone be in trouble,” said the Mayor.

“They also work closely with the volunteer Surf Life Savers who provide invaluable support during the weekends.”

While the Randwick City lifeguards are on duty seven days a week at Coogee and Maroubra, it is always important to swim between the flags, look out for safety signs, and if you are a parent, always keep an eye on your children.