Beach lifeguard service

The Kiama Municipality is Home to a number of picturesque beaches, which are suitable for a wide range of aquatic activities.

As a service to residents and visitors, Council provides a professional lifeguard service on the majority of its beaches.

Surf Beach

Surf Beach is a small beach situated in the heart of Kiama adjacent to Coronation Park. The beach is patrolled by Council lifeguards Monday to Friday from the start of the third term school holidays (usually late September) until Anzac Day (April 25).

Surf Beach is also the Home of the Kiama Surf Lifesaving Club, which provides voluntary patrols throughout the season on weekends and public holidays.

Surf beach experiences rough seas at times, but when patrolled, is generally suitable for surfboard riding, body board riding and body surfing

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Kiama Downs Beach

Kiama Downs Beach is situated in the northern part of the municipality adjacent to North Kiama Drive. The beach is approximately one kilometre in length and is the Home of Kiama Downs Surf Lifesaving Club, which is situated at the northern end of the beach.

The northern end of the beach is patrolled by volunteer lifesavers on weekends and public holidays during the beach season. This is supplemented by Council's professional lifeguards on Monday to Fridays during the Christmas/New Year school holidays.

Like Surf Beach, Kiama Downs Beach does experience dangerous rips and currents on occasion. Beach goers should only swim between the flags during patrol times.

While the beach is patrolled, it is suitable for surfboard riding, body board riding and body surfing.

Bombo Beach

Bombo Beach is the first beach that is visible from the Princes Highway after leaving Sydney. It provides excellent conditions for surfboard riders. The northern end of the beach is patrolled by Council's professional lifeguards seven days per week during the Christmas/New Year school holidays.

Beach goers should only swim when the beach is patrolled.

Kendalls Beach

Kendalls Beach is situated just south of Surf Beach adjacent to the Kendalls Beach Holiday Park.

It's one of Council's most protected beaches, it is most suited to young families.

It is patrolled by Council's professional lifeguards seven days per week during the Christmas/New Year school holiday period.

Like all of Council's beaches, Kendalls Beach can experience dangerous conditions on occasions and as a result, beach goers should exercise care and swim between the flags.

East Beach

East Beach is situated on the southern side of Kiama adjacent to East Beach Holiday Park.

While East Beach is very protected and considered to be one of the municipality's safest beaches, it can experience a large swell with dangerous shore breaks during easterly swells.

Council provides a lifeguard patrol seven days per week during the Christmas/New Year holiday period.

Werri Beach

Werri Beach is located at Gerringong in the southern part of the municipality and is Home to the Gerringong Surf Lifesaving Club.

The beach is an excellent surf beach of approximately 1.5km in length. The surf club is located at the southern end of the beach.

Werri Beach is patrolled by volunteer lifesavers on weekends and public holidays throughout the summer season. Council's professional lifeguards also patrol Monday to Friday during the Christmas/New Year holiday period.

The beach is generally suitable for surfboard riding, body board riding and body surfing. It experiences dangerous conditions at times so beach goers should exercise caution and only swim during patrol times.

Seven Mile Beach

Seven Mile Beach extends from Gerroa to Shoalhaven Heads. It is an extremely open beach, which experiences quite windy conditions.

Council provides a lifeguard patrol at the northern end of the beach, seven days per week during the Christmas/New year period.

While the beach is suitable for all beach activities, it experiences dangerous conditions in big seas. Beach goers should exercise care and only swim during patrol times.

Seven Mile Beach is regularly utilised by wind surfers and kite surfers.

Outside specified patrol times, Council provides a lifeguard service on request on a fee for service basis. Any school or private group wishing to access this service can contact Council's Beach Lifeguard Coordinator on 4232 0459.

Latest developments and general information

• For OH&S reasons, Council ensures that all patrols consist of two lifeguards. All of Council's lifeguards are members of the Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguard Association (APOLA) and undertake a rigorous assessment process on an annual basis.
  
  
• Council's lifeguard budget has increased substantially over recent years with the introduction of quad bikes and portable lifeguard towers.
  
  
• In the 2005-2006 season Council has engaged a full-time lifeguard who will be responsible for coordinating the lifeguard program.
  
  
• In conjunction with Surf Lifesaving South Coast, Council will be introducing a Personal Water Craft (PWC) into its lifeguard service for rescue purposes in the 2006 season.
  
  

Beach, surf and water safety tips

• Swim at beaches regularly patrolled by professional lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers.
  
  
• Swim between the red and yellow flags, which indicate the safest place to swim.
  
  
• Look for, read and obey signs before swimming.
  
  
• Check swimming conditions and ask the duty lifeguards or lifesavers if you are uncertain about the conditions.
  
  
• Swim under supervision.
  
  
• Never swim alone.
  
  
• Never dive into the water without checking the water depth.
  
  
• Do not swim directly after eating.
  
  
• Do not swim under the influence of drugs including alcohol.
  
  
• Do not panic if in difficulty - stay calm, raise and wave one arm to signal for help and float (do not swim against the current).