Swim between the flags. Help keep our beaches clean. Plan your trip.

That’s the message from Randwick Mayor Philipa Veitch for locals and visitors planning a visit to our beaches this summer.

“We want everyone to be ready for summer in Randwick City. Whether you live locally or are visiting for the day, a little preparation goes a long way to enjoying a great day the beach,” said Mayor Philipa Veitch.

“We’re expecting more than five million visits to our beaches this summer – with big crowds and expected hot days ahead, we need to be prepared and we’re asking the community to play their part,” said Mayor Veitch.

1. Swim between the flags

Australia experienced its worst drowning rate in 10 years in 2022 with 339 deaths. In 2023 there were 281 drowning deaths. Men account for 77% of all drownings and 57% of those who drowned were aged over 45 years.

In Randwick City, Lifeguards responded to 128 major incidents in 2023, including five water related fatalities.

“If you’re coming to the beach, we want you to enjoy your visit and stay safe. Please listen to the Lifeguards and lifesavers and always swim between the flags,” said Mayor Veitch.

Keep a close eye on children and pay attention to warning signs. Don’t swim if you’ve been drinking alcohol. And don’t go rock fishing unless you’re experienced, a strong swimmer and are wearing appropriate safety gear like cleats and a lifejacket.

This year, Randwick Council is stepping up safety with patrols at Little Bay Beach and Malabar Beach in addition to patrols at Coogee, Clovelly and Maroubra Beaches.

Randwick and Waverley Councils are also partnering to encourage people to ‘Float to Survive’ if they get into trouble in the water.

2. Help keep our beaches clean

“Our message is simple: please take your rubbish with you. We will be adding more bins and more staff to empty the bins at our busiest areas. However, if the bin is full or you are in an area with no bins please take your rubbish home.

“Rubbish left on beaches or in parks can end up in our oceans. If you’ve enjoyed a swim for the day, look after our waterways and take your rubbish with you when you leave,” said Mayor Veitch.

“Our staff do a great job and that’s helped when every visitor puts their rubbish in the bins provided or takes it home with them,” said Mayor Veitch.

3. Plan your trip

“On hot summer days, crowds at our beaches increase dramatically. Access to our beaches can be difficult and parking and traffic can become an issue,” said Mayor Veitch.

“If you’re visiting the beach, we encourage you to take public transport. If you live locally, you can also ride a bike or walk.”

“The reality is that is you’re planning a beach visit on a hot Saturday, Sunday or public holiday after 10am - you’re unlikely to find a park. Plan ahead to make the day fun and stress-free for everyone,” said Mayor Veitch.

As always, our Rangers will be patrolling the streets around the beaches and fines can apply.

“Swim between the flags. Help keep our beaches clean. Plan your trip. These are the three main messages we want to get out to the community so that everyone who visits the beaches goes home safely,” said Mayor Veitch.