Lifeguards and beach safety

Randwick has some of the most beautiful coastline and beaches in Australia, patrolled year round by a professional lifeguard service.

The primary role of the Randwick City Council Lifeguards is to provide a safe swimming environment for the community at beaches in the Randwick area.

Eight full time Beach Lifeguards are employed for year round surveillance, with another 8 for the summer season. As well, there are a further 16 casual Lifeguards on call all year. Coogee and Maroubra Beaches are patrolled all year, while Clovelly is patrolled during the summer months only. Other beaches in the area are unpatrolled unless a special event calls for the provision of temporary lifeguards.

The Lifeguards provide a search and rescue service for the City's coastal waters and are fully trained and qualified to provide emergency medical care when required. They also have an important role in educating the public in beach and water safety Lifeguards regularly go out to local schools and also conduct junior lifeguard camps during the summer school holiday period. This service is provided to residents, visitors and tourists as well as local school students. For educational enquiries please contact: Lifeguard@randwick.nsw.gov.au

Randwick lifeguards beach safety tips

Follow these simple rules to be safe at the beach:

• Always swim between the Red and Yellow flags, never swim outside them
• Do not swim directly after a meal or if under the influence of alcohol
• Only swim when the red and yellow flags are raised. If there are no flags, the beach is closed or unpatrolled, DO NOT SWIM!
• Do not panic if caught in a current/Rip. Raise one arm into the air to signal for lifeguard assistance. Float until help arrives.
• Do not swim if unsure of surf conditions. Always seek the advice of a lifeguard or lifesaver.
• FOR ANY WATER RELATED EMERGENCY RING 000 AND ASK FOR POLICE

For general enquiries you can contact Randwick City Council Lifeguards on 9093 6160 or email Lifeguard@randwick.nsw.gov.au

PLEASE NOTE: 

• Dogs are prohibited on all Council beaches
• Windsurfing and kitesurfing are prohibited on council beaches
• Surfing is prohibited between the red and yellow flags

Extra Life - beach safety film

Randwick Council and Matraville Sports High School have produced a beach safety DVD, filmed by Anya Beyersdorf.

Across the country more than 100 drownings occur every year on our beaches. This film promotes four key safety messages:

• always swim between the flags
• never swim alone
• read the beach signs
• if you get in trouble in the water, stay calm and raise your hand to signal for help

You can play a vital role in saving lives. Please share this video with your friends and family.

Free copies of the DVD and booklet  PDF, 3181.44 KB are available to community groups and services. Contact the Youth & Multicultural Community Projects Officer on 90936678 or tania.krasinski@randwick.nsw.gov.au to obtain a copy.