The weather has been warming up and that means we’re close to officially opening all beaches along our coastline.

In the last week the red and yellow flags went up at Dee Why and Freshwater Beaches while Manly is patrolled all year round from 8am-4pm. All remaining beaches will put up their flags on Saturday 23 September.

From picturesque Palm Beach to busy and beautiful Manly, Northern Beaches Council lifeguards, the Australian Lifeguard Service and the volunteers from the 21 surf lifesaving clubs will once again begin patrols for the 2023/24 season.

Throughout the week, on weekends and public holidays, a combination of volunteer surf lifesavers and our lifeguards manage beach safety working together to ensure visitors and residents are safe. 

Specifically, between Warriewood and North Palm Beach the Australian Lifeguard Service are contracted keep the community safe during the week. 

Last year over 10.8 million people visited our beaches with 1427 rescues and 4300 first aid cases requiring attention.

There were also 425,000 preventative actions undertaken by the lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers primarily involving directing swimmers to swim between the flags, away from rips, and directing board riders to steer clear of the flags.

Along with keeping visitors safe and comfortable, all lifeguards and lifesavers seek to increase the knowledge, skills and awareness of beach users.

We remind beachgoers to know their capability, swim between the flags, read the water conditions, follow the direction of lifeguards and beach signage and if you’re not sure, ask a lifeguard for advice.

Now is the time to dig out your beach towel, sunscreen and thongs, and head down to one of the many beautiful beaches on the peninsula.