More than a million people are expected to visit Wollongong’s beaches this patrol season
Key points:
- The flags will go up at 17 beaches from Stanwell Park to Windang from 26 September
- More than 150 Council lifeguards are expected to complete nearly 29,000 patrol hours over 175 days
- Lifeguards will be on duty from Monday to Saturday from 9am-6pm and assist Surf Lifesaving Illawarra volunteer patrols on Sundays and Public Holidays.
- Council lifeguards will also be on duty at all nine of the community pools across our suburbs.
The weather’s getting warmer and, as beachgoers start dipping their toe in the water, Wollongong City Council is urging the community to stay safe this looming patrol season.
The flags at 17 patrolled beaches from Stanwell Park to Windang will officially go up on Saturday 26 of September, while Council lifeguards will also be on duty at all nine of the community pools across our suburbs.
Community pools will be patrolled seven days a week, while Council lifeguards will patrol beaches Monday to Saturday and assist Surf Lifesaving Illawarra volunteer patrols on Sundays and Public Holidays.
As more people flock to our beaches and pools each season, Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown reminded residents and visitors to seek out patrolled locations, heed the advice of lifeguards, and always swim between the red and yellow flags.
“It’s a persistent message for us each and every year because it has never been more important – swim between the red and yellow flags,” Cr Brown said.
“With 17 beaches being watched over by Council lifeguards, beachgoers are spoilt for choice, so there’s absolutely no reason to veer away from patrolled locations. Even if you are returning to one of your favourite spots this summer, keep it between the red and yellow flags.
“Complacency can be disastrous and no one wants a day at the beach to end in tragedy for you or your loved ones. Our skilled and experienced lifeguards are there to help and to keep you safe, so always follow their advice to make sure you can head home safely at the end of the day.”
More than 1.2 million people* visited Wollongong’s patrolled beaches during patrol hours in 2025-26, with Council lifeguards completing almost 29,000 hours on patrol over 175 days. Lifeguards performed 334 rescues, more than a hundred fewer than the previous season.
The gradually decreasing number of required rescues in recent years has coincided with a sizeable increase in proactive measures, with Council’s more than 150 professional lifeguards undertaking almost 70,000 preventative actions to keep our community safe.
It’s a dedication shared by our pool lifeguards, who go on fulltime duty at all nine pools from 26 September – some having enjoyed a winter makeover – providing a wide range of options for swimmers of all ages and abilities.
While beaches and pools can often be the first thought for people looking to escape the increasing heat over summer, Cr Brown also reminded residents to be heat smart and follow the advice of state agencies to stay safe.
“We’ve experienced some very hot summers in recent years and cooling off at the beach can seem like a good idea, but we urge people to follow the advice of health authorities and stay indoors through the peak of the heat,” Cr Brown said.
“On the hottest days the heat can even outlast patrol hours and, as tempting as it may be to head down for a dip in the evening, patrol hours end at 6pm and people shouldn’t venture into the water once the flags have come down.
“We’re very proud of the wonderful, professional service our lifeguards provide, and I urge everyone to follow their lead to enjoy another glorious summer.”
Beach Patrol hours are available on our Beaches webpage , while the full schedule of opening hours for our pools is available on our Pools webpage .
Should emergencies arise, there are bleed-control kits at all 17 patrolled locations as well as seven emergency response beacons across our beaches. These are utilised by lifeguards during patrol hours if required, but they are available for use by the public to respond to emergencies should they occur outside of patrol hours.
For those with accessibility needs, free beach wheelchairs are available at Thirroul, Austinmer, North Wollongong and Port Kembla Beaches. Booking information is available here: Accessible Beaches and Pools | City of Wollongong
*Beach attendance is determined by visual observation of lifeguard personnel. Figures are approximate in nature with a focus on patrolled areas.
