The number of female lifeguards on patrol at Newcastle’s beaches and Ocean Baths will reach an all-time high this summer thanks to City of Newcastle’s innovative trainee program.
Lexi Sutherland and Bronte Bowker will become the latest recruits to transition from a traineeship to the professional ranks when the new summer beach patrol season kicks off on Saturday.
Lifeguards Lexi Sutherland and Bronte Bowker at Dixon Park BeachThe pair successfully completed last season’s six-week trainee program, where they worked alongside experienced mentors during the busy summer holidays.
City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said the initiative is helping to make a positive change.
“Women now account for around 40% of our lifeguards, with more and more girls applying to be part of the trainee program every year,” Ms Duffy said.
“We know some Councils are struggling to fill lifeguard roles because it’s a seasonal job that requires a unique set of skills.
“Our program helps us maintain a dedicated team of professional lifeguards who have comprehensive knowledge of our beaches and our procedures.
“The innovative trainee initiative launched in 2021 and so far every participant has come back to City of Newcastle to work as a professional lifeguard in some capacity.
“Applications for this summer’s trainee program close on 6 October, with four high school students being offered the chance to gain hands-on experience.”
The trainee program is delivered in partnership with Hunter Surf Life Saving and was the first program of its kind in NSW.
Currently completing their Higher School Certificates, Lexi Sutherland and Bronte Bowker already have impressive resumes.
Sutherland took out the Under 17 female ironperson title at the NSW Championships in March, while Bowker was part of the team that won the Under 19 ski relay title.
Both lifeguards say they’re excited about the prospect of launching their careers at the beach.
“I wanted to apply for the casual lifeguard role because the trainee program allowed me to create so many valuable friendships,” Ms Sutherland said.
“I developed so many new skills and had amazing learning experiences that I hope to keep building on this season.”
“I decided to apply for the casual position because I really enjoyed my traineeship and working with such a friendly team,” Ms Bowker said.
“I gained valuable insights into the role across morning and afternoon shifts, developing my understanding of beach operations and confidence in handling different situations.”
Lifeguard patrols return to all six Newcastle beaches this Saturday, adding to the year-round patrols that also take place at three beaches and Merewether and Newcastle Ocean Baths.
Ms Duffy said recent tragic incidents in Newcastle and on the Mid North Coast were a reminder to always follow key water safety rules.
“When you’re enjoying our beautiful beaches, you should never swim alone, always swim between the red and yellow flags, ask lifeguards for advice about conditions and if you’re in trouble, put your hand up and yell for help,” Ms Duffy said.
Swimmers will also be welcomed back to City of Newcastle’s inland pools at Wallsend, Mayfield, Stockton and Beresfield on Saturday, following the reopening of Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre in August,
City of Newcastle is expecting another busy season at the pools, which attracted more than 537,000 visits during the 2025/26 season, highlighting their importance as destinations for family-friendly recreation and reinforcing their role in supporting community wellbeing and social connection.
The winter break provided an important period for essential maintenance activity with City of Newcastle completing a range of works across the network including safety upgrades, painting of non-slip surfaces and plumbing repairs.
There was a major service of Lambton’s popular splash park feature and new fencing for the waterslide, playground maintenance and kiosk improvements at Beresfield, while Stockton’s bench seating was replaced.
Security improvements were carried out at Wallsend, while the 50-metre pool was emptied to enable floor tile repairs and the replacement of expansion joints.
A detailed inspection of the pool shell was also carried out, while pipe fittings were replaced to reduce the risk of water leakage during power outages in the plantroom.
