A million reasons for lifeguards to hone their skills this season

More than one million visitors are expected to flock to Lake Mac beaches in the 2024-25 season, which kicks off this weekend.

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Crowd counts from recent years show that Redhead Beach, with its iconic timber shark tower, accounts for almost one-third of all visitors to patrolled beaches in the city.

Caves Beach is the next-most popular coastal location, followed by Catherine Hill Bay, Blacksmiths and Hams Beach.

Lake Macquarie City Council Coordinator Leisure Operations Paul Stone expected this season’s crowds to top the 977,000 people who visited patrolled Lake Mac beaches in 2023-24.

This year’s lifeguard contingent includes more than 30 staff, including four females, who will patrol 9am-5pm seven days a week from Saturday until Sunday 27 April 2025.

Patrol hours will be extended to 6pm for the six-week school holiday period in December-January.

“Our lifeguards have had some refresher training this week on the jet-skis and boards, with a focus on rescues on or around coastal rock shelves,” Mr Stone said.

“We responded to more than 50 major incidents and completed more than 120 rescues in the past season, and we want to ensure we’re ready to respond once again this year to any situation.”

Mr Stone said Council had installed a new two-way radio system throughout the patrolled beach network to improve communications and expedite action in emergencies.

“It also allows our lifeguards to get in touch more quickly with other emergency services,” he said.

Go to lakemac.com.au for more information and real-time conditions at the city’s patrolled beaches.